Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH) announced that its subsidiaries have opened two new de‑novo ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in Birmingham and Foley, Alabama, and have acquired a majority ownership interest in an ASC in Anchorage, Alaska. The moves bring the company’s ASC portfolio to 36 affiliated centers, with a planned addition to reach 37 centers shortly thereafter.
The announcement was made on April 21 2026. The Birmingham and Foley ASCs opened in February 2026, while the Anchorage ASC stake became effective on April 1 2026. In addition, CYH is pursuing a pending acquisition of the Surgical Institute of Alabama, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, which would bring the total to 37 centers.
The expansion reflects CYH’s strategic pivot toward outpatient care, a segment that offers higher operating margins than traditional inpatient services. By adding ASCs in its core Alabama markets and a new Alaskan location, the company broadens its geographic reach and strengthens its position in the growing same‑day surgical care market. The Anchorage acquisition signals an intent to deepen presence in high‑potential rural markets where outpatient services are increasingly demanded.
CYH’s Q4 2025 earnings showed a decline in net operating revenues and adjusted EBITDA, underscoring the need for higher‑margin growth. The ASC expansion is part of a broader portfolio optimization strategy that includes divesting non‑core hospitals and reducing debt. Management expects the new centers to contribute incremental operating income and help offset the higher cost structure associated with its rural hospital network.
"Our targeted investments in ambulatory surgery centers extend our ability to provide care in the most advantageous way for our patients. By offering additional services through these outpatient settings, we are driving growth for our health systems, delivering quality care and excellent outcomes, and optimizing the surgical experience for both our physician partners and their patients," said CEO Kevin Hammons. Hammons added, "We are getting, I would say, closer to the end of our programmatic divestitures. We're very comfortable with our portfolio as it stands, and we really want to be just opportunistic about transacting hospitals." He also noted, "As we kind of move through '25 into 2026, more of our dollars will be focused on the access points, whether that's urgent care, freestanding [emergency departments], ASCs, and so forth."
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