07/23/2026

A Word from Our Sponsor! - ASCA

Stronger Together: How MASA and ASCA Support Surgery Centers

By Mykal Cox
Associate Director of Membership, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA)

During my years at the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA), I've had the opportunity to work with surgery centers of every size and specialty across the country. It's given me a unique perspective on an industry that's constantly evolving—and on the people who work every day to deliver safe, high-quality, cost-effective care.

One of the things I've come to appreciate most is how connected the ASC community is. While surgery centers are independent businesses, we've never been an industry that succeeds in isolation. We learn from one another, advocate for one another, and work together to move ambulatory surgery forward.

That's why both state and national associations play such important roles in the ASC community. Here in Maryland, the Maryland Ambulatory Surgery Association (MASA) provides leadership and advocacy at the state level, while the ASCA complements those efforts through national advocacy, education, professional resources, and opportunities to connect with peers across the country. Together, they help ensure that surgery centers have the support and representation needed to thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

At the national level, ASCA advocates on behalf of surgery centers before Congress, federal agencies, and policymakers whose decisions affect reimbursement, regulation and patient access to care. Just as importantly, ASCA equips members with timely resources, education and practical guidance to help them navigate an ever-changing healthcare landscape. Whether it's understanding new regulations, strengthening operations, or investing in professional development, members have access to tools that support both their teams and their patients.

One of the greatest privileges of my role at ASCA has been the opportunity to work with ASC leaders from across the country. Despite differences in size, specialty or geography, I've found that they're remarkably willing to share ideas, celebrate one another's successes, and help a colleague solve a challenge. That spirit of collaboration is one of the things that makes this industry special—and it's one of the greatest strengths of ASCA membership.

The partnership between ASCA and organizations like MASA reflects that same spirit. While MASA and ASCA offer separate memberships, they share a common purpose: supporting the success of ambulatory surgery centers. MASA provides leadership and advocacy for Maryland's ASC community, while ASCA complements those efforts through national advocacy, education, resources and professional connections.

At the end of the day, membership is about more than benefits—it's about being part of a community that's committed to helping surgery centers succeed.

Whether you're a longtime member of MASA, ASCA, or both, I encourage you to find one new way to get involved this year. Attend an educational program, volunteer for a committee, participate in advocacy efforts, connect with a colleague, or explore a resource you haven't used before. The more you engage, the more value you'll gain—and the stronger our community becomes.

If you're not yet an ASCA member, I invite you to explore how national membership can complement the value you already receive through MASA. Together, our organizations are helping build a stronger future for ambulatory surgery.

To learn more about ASCA, visit ascassociation.org

About the Author

Mykal Cox is the Director of Membership for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA), where he works with surgery centers and industry partners to strengthen member engagement and maximize the value of ASCA membership. Through recruitment, retention, strategic partnerships, and member support, he helps connect ASC professionals with the advocacy, education, resources, and relationships that advance the ambulatory surgery community nationwide.