The Surgical Supply Chain in 2026: Key Trends Shaping Hospitals and ASCs
By Surgery Stuff Team
As 2026 gets underway, supply chain leaders in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are facing a more complex landscape but also finding new opportunities for growth and improvement. Rising costs, regulatory changes, and the ongoing shift of procedures to outpatient settings are causing organizations to reevaluate how they source, manage, and support surgical supplies. Tasks that once seemed routine have become critical factors in strengthening performance and enhancing patient care.
In our daily work with hospitals and ASCs nationwide, we hear firsthand how these challenges are shaping priorities at every level, from purchasing and inventory planning to long-term strategy. Supply chain teams are expected to do more with fewer resources while still delivering efficiency and consistency across their organizations.
Below, we highlight the key trends impacting surgical supply chains today and what they mean for healthcare organizations moving forward.
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Higher-Acuity Procedures Continue to Shift to ASCs
The shift of procedures from hospitals to ASCs shows no sign of slowing down. This change is driven by the cost and convenience it offers to both patients and providers, as well as regulatory updates that allow for greater case volume. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently added 289 procedures to the 2026 ASC Covered Procedures List, leading to significant growth and enabling ASCs to handle a wider range of surgeries [1]. As a result, complex cases in orthopedics, spine, cardiology, and other specialties are now safely being performed in outpatient settings.
Key takeaway:
This evolution requires ASCs to manage a broader range of supplies while keeping strict control over costs and maintaining high standards of care. The margin for error is smaller than ever, and product delays can disrupt schedules, affect patient outcomes, and put additional strain on already limited resources.
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Cost Pressures Are Changing Supply Decisions
Cost containment remains a top priority. Ongoing reimbursement pressures are prompting hospitals and surgery centers to take a closer look at how supply decisions affect overall care delivery. As procedures move across care settings and financial pressures intensify, the impact of supply choices on budgets and patient care is more visible than ever.
Key takeaway:
Facilities are looking beyond the unit price and focusing on the bigger picture. Suppliers who help streamline inventory, support cost avoidance practices, and reduce waste are becoming preferred partners. Value is defined by operational impact and consistency rather than the lowest price.
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Consolidation Is Reshaping Expectations for Supplier Performance
Health systems and ASC management companies are expanding and consolidating rapidly. As organizations grow and become more integrated, procurement is increasingly centralized, contracts are standardized across locations, and preferred vendor lists are carefully being scrutinized and narrowed. This consolidation brings both opportunities and challenges for suppliers, who must now compete on service quality and scalability—not just price.
Key takeaway:
Suppliers are now expected to deliver consistent service across multiple sites while staying flexible enough to meet the clinical needs of each hospital and surgery center. Scalability, dependability, and strong vendor relationships are more essential than ever. Those who support system-wide standardization and address challenges proactively will stand out in this competitive landscape.
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Smarter Supply Chains and Digital Procurement Are Becoming Standard
Technology is changing how hospitals and surgery centers track inventory and make purchasing decisions. Better data visibility and practical digital tools are helping teams understand usage patterns, plan ahead, and avoid overstocking or last-minute shortages. Instead of putting procurement on autopilot, many organizations are using technology to support smarter and more flexible sourcing decisions across multiple suppliers.
Key takeaway:
Facilities expect procurement to be efficient, transparent, and adaptable. Suppliers who provide clear visibility, reliable fulfillment, and responsive communication while allowing flexibility in sourcing are becoming increasingly value partners. The right tools help organizations stay in control, reduce waste, and use supplies more efficiently without giving up choice or reliability.
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Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing Are Gaining Momentum
Healthcare organizations are balancing environmental responsibility with performance and safety. While safety and performance are still non-negotiable, sustainability is becoming a bigger part of purchasing decisions, influencing choices around product materials, packaging, and smarter waste reduction strategies, including better utilization of unused, in-date inventory.
Key takeaway:
Facilities are asking more questions about sourcing, packaging, and product lifecycle. They want partners who support responsible practices without compromising quality and patient care.
Looking Ahead Through the Rest of 2026
As these trends evolve, hospitals and ASCs that take a proactive approach to supply sourcing and supply chain optimization will be better prepared to manage change, reduce cost pressures, and support high-quality patient care.
At Surgery Stuff, we stay focused on helping facilities navigate these changes with reliable supplies, cost-saving solutions, and responsive service all year long.
If you are evaluating your surgical supply chain strategy or looking for ways to improve efficiency and value in your organization, please contact us today to get started.
Stay tuned for more insights from the Surgery Stuff team as we continue to track the trends shaping our industry.
References
[1] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Calendar Year 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System.” CMS Fact Sheet. Accessed 2026.