January/February 2026 • Vol. 2026 No. 1
An ASC administrator's
roadmap to curbing rising
healthcare costs
Joe Peluso, an administrator at
Greensburg, Pa.-based Aestique Surgery
Center, discussed how the U.S.healthcare
system is entering a period of major
change, but warned rising costs are
outpacing improvements in coverage and
innovation.
How ASCs can solve the
rising cost equation
ASC leaders across the country are
struggling to maintain margins as
operational costs continue. Five ASC
leaders discussed the best ways that ASCs
can get ahead of rising costs in 2026.
continued on page 9 continued on page 11
continued on page 5
The 'rising tide' that will
define ASCs in 2026
The increased use of AI agents, advancements in robotic
surgery and the rise of orthopedic and spine ASCs are among
the most important trends this ASC administrator is following.
20+
STORIES INSIDE
The next wave of ASC opportunities p. 5
16TH ANNUAL MEETING
April 13 - 16, 2026
Hyatt Regency // Chicago, IL
SAVE THE DATE
IN THIS ISSUE:
The new outpatient
spine advantage: Dr.
Kern Singh
p. 13
5 GI leaders on
what's changing in
colonoscopy
p. 15
The new economics
of ASC M&A
p. 18
Private equity's
healthcare strategy
has shifted — these 5
deals explain why
p. 20
Catholic Health
CEO's fast-slow
approach to AI
p. 22
The payer problem
ASCs say hurts
patients most
p. 7
