Episode
Designing for the Shift: ASCs, Policy, and the End of the Inpatient-Only List
- Podcast
- The Architecture of Healing
- Published
- Jan 21, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1400
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Summary
In this episode of The Architecture of Healing , Chase shares the "why" behind the podcast and explores one of the most significant shifts in healthcare today: the rise of ambulatory surgery centers and the policy changes accelerating care out of the hospital. From the origins of ASCs to the 2026 CMS rule and the phased removal of the inpatient-only list, this episode breaks down how regulation, reimbursement, and strategy are reshaping where surgery happens and what that means for hospitals, outpatient facilities, and the built environment. A systems-level look at designing for flexibility, value, and the future of care. Key Themes & Takeaways · · Why The Architecture of Healing exists · · The evolution of ambulatory surgery centers · · The 2026 CMS rule and the inpatient-only list · · Impacts on hospitals, ASCs, and surgical strategy · · Designing flexible environments for shifting care delivery Episode Resources · CMS 2026 Final Rule overview and inpatient-only list updates - https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/acute-inpatient-pps/fy-2026-ipps-final-rule-home-page · Historical background on ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient surgical care - https://www.ascassociation.org/advancingsurgicalcare/asc/historyofascs · Articles and research on site-of-care shifts and outpatient surgery growth - https://ascnews.com/2025/12/asc-final-rule-outpatient-surgery-shift-continues-to-spark-concerns-over-medicare-access-to-post-acute-care/ · Planning and design resources related to ASC and hospital co-location strategies - https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-transactions-and-valuation-issues/the-perfect-storm-for-asc-expansion-is-coming/ Connect & Continue the Conversation Visit thearchitectureofhealing.com for more episodes, insights, and resources on…