The growth rate for Medicare Certified ASCs in 2012 was approximately which percent?

• A. 0.8%
• B. 1.2%
• C. 1.6%
• D. 2.2%

Answer: (B)

This question tests the approximate annual growth rate of Medicare-certified ambulatory surgery centers. In 2012, the growth rate was about 1.2 percent. This reflects a modest, steady expansion of the Medicare-certified ASC network, driven by new centers entering the market while a few others may close or lose certification, all within a context of gradual market dynamics, regulation, and reimbursement considerations. Rates like 0.8 percent would suggest a slower uptick than observed, while 1.6 percent or 2.2 percent would indicate a noticeably faster growth than what occurred that year.