Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health's is set to acquire physician-owned Black Hills Surgical Hospital and Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center — a move poised to reshape the region's healthcare landscape, Sioux Falls Live reported Nov. 14. 

A medical office building in Stamford, Conn., has sold for more than $19 million, according to a Nov. 21 report from the Hartford Business Journal.

A medical office building in Union City, Calif., has sold for $14.4 million, according to a Nov. 20 report from the San Francisco Business Times.

While the majority of ASCs remain independent, increased consolidation within the industry has led some leaders to contemplate linking with hospitals or larger health systems as a strategy for more market-proof ASC growth.

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, parent company of ASC chain United Surgical Partner International, will launch Commure's ambient AI platform across its physician network.

Here are five major organizations selling off ASCs in 2024:

The ASC industry is historically fragmented, with approximately 68% of facilities operating independently as of 2023. However, as consolidation gains traction, industry leaders are voicing concerns about the potential negative effects on administrators, physicians and patients.

Healthcare industry consolidation has mirrored trends in other sectors — promising efficiencies and stability but often delivering reduced competition, higher costs and limited access to care. 

Healthcare giant Optum, the parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, has grown rapidly in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Optum, parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, has seen massive growth, including spending $31 billion on acquisitions in the last two years.

Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health is becoming the parent company of Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center, the Black Hills Surgical Hospital and the system's associated facilities in Rapid City, S.D., and Black Hills Surgery Center in Gillette, Wyo., including urgent care locations, clinics and an ASC. 

Under the Biden administration, the Federal Trade Commission took strong anti-trust positions and boosted pro-worker policies, such as a ban on noncompete agreements. 

United Surgical Partners International, Surgery Partners and HCA Healthcare, through its Surgery Ventures arm, are three of the largest ASC operators by number of centers. 

Former independent practice Hillsdale (Mich.) Medical Associates is now owned and operated by Hillsdale Hospital, Hillsdale Daily News reported Nov. 13. 

Bradenton, Fla.-based MCR Health, a nonprofit medical group, sought Chapter 11 protection Nov. 11, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported Nov. 13. 

Dallas-based Steward Health Care has been facing financial difficulties and controversies since it sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection May 6.

Downers Grove, Ill.-based Duly Health and Care has launched a strategic partnership with ASC management services organization Surgery Partners.

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group, parent company of Optum, to prevent its planned $3.3 billion acquisition of home health provider Amedisys, Bloomberg reported Nov. 12.

A medical office building in El Paso, Texas, has sold for $7.1 million, according to a Nov. 12 report from REBusiness Online.

Retail giant Amazon continues to expand into healthcare, including partnerships with several health systems through its hybrid primary care company One Medical.