CHS grows ASC footprint across Alabama, Alaska: 6 things to know

Community Health Systems is expanding its ambulatory surgery centre (ASC) footprint in 2026, combining new developments with strategic acquisitions across Alabama and Alaska.

Here are six key takeaways shaping the expansion:

1. Growing ASC network
   CHS has opened new ASCs in Birmingham and Foley, Alabama, and acquired a majority stake in a surgery centre in Anchorage, Alaska, bringing its total to 36 affiliated ASCs.
2. Another acquisition on the way
   The system expects to reach 37 ASCs with its pending acquisition of Surgical Institute of Alabama in Vestavia, Alabama. The multispecialty centre performs over 8,000 cases annually and features six operating rooms and two procedure rooms.
3. Anchorage expansion strengthens capacity
   CHS acquired a majority interest in South Anchorage Surgery Centre, which focuses on gastrointestinal and interventional pain procedures. The facility supports surgical demand for Mat-Su Regional Medical Centre.
4. Birmingham market growth
   Through its affiliate Grandview Health, CHS opened the Birmingham Musculoskeletal Institute, bringing its total number of ASCs in the Birmingham market to four.
5. Foley investment and expansion
   Affiliate Baldwin Health launched a specialty surgery centre in February, offering orthopedic, gastroenterology, and pain management services. This aligns with a broader $154 million hospital expansion to increase inpatient capacity and services.
6. Broader system scale
   CHS operates 64 hospitals and more than 900 care sites across 13 states, continuing to shift care toward outpatient settings for efficiency, cost control, and patient convenience.

The bigger picture:
This expansion reflects a broader industry trend moving more procedures to outpatient settings where costs are lower and patient throughput is higher. By investing in ASCs, CHS is positioning itself to improve margins, expand access, and enhance the surgical experience for both physicians and patients.