Skytron Blog

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) continue to take center stage as healthcare continues its steady shift toward outpatient care.

With a projected 21% increase in ASC volume by 2034, reaching 44 million procedures annually, design trends are changing rapidly to meet the growing demand for convenience, safety, and personalized care.

In this edition of The Sky is the Limit, we are going to share the top ASC design trends to watch in 2025:
 

1. Elevating the Staff and Patient Experience

 
Modern ASCs are prioritizing designs that reduce stress for both patients and staff. Separate entrances and exits for incoming and outgoing patients are becoming standard, ensuring privacy, minimizing congestion, and promoting seamless patient flow. Waiting areas are evolving into small, private, living room-style spaces with couches and intimate check-in areas to foster a more comfortable and welcoming environment. These thoughtful touches create a calming atmosphere for patients and their families while helping staff focus on care delivery rather than logistical challenges.
 

2. The Emergence of the 24-Hour Outpatient Model

With advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care, ASCs are expanding their scope to include higher-acuity procedures, such as robotic cancer treatments and total joint replacements.

These procedures often require longer recovery times, leading to the rise of 24-hour outpatient models. These facilities cater to patients needing extended observation and recovery, offering a convenient alternative to hospital stays while maintaining high standards of safety and care. This model aligns with patient preferences for shorter recovery times and reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections.
 

3. Increasing Facility Size for Complex Procedures

 
Historically, ASCs were compact and focused on straightforward procedures.

However, the demand for more complex surgeries is driving the need for larger operating rooms, with sizes increasing from 200-300 square feet to 500-600 square feet.

These expanded spaces accommodate advanced surgical equipment, such as robotic systems, and provide flexibility for future growth. Larger facilities also ensure that ASCs can remain competitive by offering a wider range of services, from spine surgeries to cardiac catheterizations.
 

4. Integrating Advanced Technologies

 
Technology is playing a big part in shaping the future of ASCs.

Remote observation tools, personalized recovery technologies, and advanced imaging systems are becoming standard features.

These innovations enhance surgical precision, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, advanced monitoring capabilities allow staff to provide tailored care, ensuring that each patient’s recovery journey is optimized.
 

5. Focusing on Patient-Centric Design

 
From the moment patients arrive, ASC design is increasingly centered on creating a sense of hospitality, safety, and professional competence. Patients often arrive feeling anxious, hungry, or thirsty, so the facility’s layout and aesthetics must immediately put them at ease.

Thoughtful design choices, such as natural lighting, soothing color palettes, and ergonomic furniture, contribute to a more positive patient experience.

These details enhance patient satisfaction and reinforce trust in the quality of care provided.
 

6. Supporting Outpatient Migration and Growth in Specialties

 
The continued migration of procedures to outpatient settings drives ASC growth, particularly in orthopedics and spine specialties.

A 12% increase in orthopedics/spine-focused ASCs is expected within the next five years, with a 22% rise projected over the next decade.

Physicians are increasingly performing complex procedures, such as lumbar fusions and cervical disc replacements, in outpatient settings due to advancements in surgical techniques and favorable reimbursement policies. This trend highlights the need for ASCs to adapt their designs to accommodate these specialized procedures while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
 

7. Emphasizing Convenience and Personalization

 
The appeal of ASCs lies in their ability to offer convenient, personalized care in a focused, smaller-scale environment. Unlike hospitals, ASCs can tailor every aspect of the patient journey, from streamlined check-ins to shorter recovery times. This level of personalization is especially attractive to patients seeking alternatives to traditional hospital stays. As consumer preferences continue to shift toward convenience and specialized care, ASCs are well-positioned to meet these demands.
 
Forward Focus: What 2025 Holds for ASCs
As ASCs continue to grow and evolve, their design will play a crucial role in shaping the future of outpatient care. By prioritizing patient and staff experiences, embracing advanced technologies, and adapting to the demands of higher acuity procedures, ASCs are setting new standards in healthcare delivery. With thoughtful, forward-thinking designs, facilities will meet the rising demand for outpatient care and redefine what it means to provide exceptional, patient-centered healthcare.
 
Skytron Solutions
At Skytron, we are dedicated to continual innovation. Our portfolio includes business intelligence solutions, including integration systems, environmental monitoring, and more. We also have Architectural options that lend perfectly to the demands of an ASC in 2025. These include EASE Modular Windows, Doors, and Walls that are offered in various colors and design options to give a prestigious look and high-tech atmosphere typically associated with modern OR design. With over 200 graphic motifs, we will surely find one that fits your facility. We don’t stop at products alone; we have architectural planners and experts who walk you through equipment planning and design.
 
We look forward to the future of Ambulatory Surgery designs and cannot wait to see what this year will bring.
 

 
Resources:
1. Top Ambulatory Surgery Center Design Trends to Watch | Ambulatory Surgery Center News
2. Forward Focus: What 2025 Could Look Like for ASCs | EDM Medical Services
3. Ambulatory Surgery Center Design with Patients and Staff in Mind | Healthcare Facilities Today
4. Sg2 2024 Annual Report Projects High Growth in ASC Volume | ASC Focus; The ASCA Journal
5. ASCs forecasted to continue seeing major expansion in orthopedic, spine procedures | OR Manager
6. Ambulatory Surgery Center Design with Patients and Staff in Mind | Healthcare Facilities Today