TASCS’s Response to the Texas ASC Economic Impact Study
AUSTIN (February 2, 2009) – A January 29, 2009 study released by the Health Economics Group, LLC found that Texas ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) will have an estimated statewide economic impact of nearly $1.7 billion in 2009. In addition to employing 7,380 Texans, “The Economic Impact of Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Texas” found that Texas ASCs will pay an estimated $424 million in taxes in 2009.
“The main finding is that the ASC sector in Texas makes a markedly large contribution to the state’s economy, with a multiplier of 1.82. This multiplier implies that for every dollar spent in the ASC sector, $1.82 worth of economic value is created,” the study’s author, John Schneider, PhD, concluded.
TASCS released the report’s findings in conjunction with its February 2-3, 2009 State of the State Conference in Austin, Texas. ASCs from all over Texas will convene in Austin to interact with state regulators and meet with their lawmakers about issues impacting ASCs and patients..
“This economic impact study confirms that the nearly 400 Texas ASCs are a major part of our healthcare system’s foundation,” said Bobby Hillert, executive director of the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS). “Patients are embracing the outstanding safety and quality that ASCs provide, as evidenced by the recent CDC study that reported 40 percent of surgeries are performed in free-standing facilities.”
The study utilized several methods to determine the findings. The researchers interviewed Texas ASCs to examine their data and calculated federal payroll taxes and state profit taxes by utilizing census data. In addition, the study determined employment and payroll data by using the 2002 Economic Census and 2007 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The study will be posted on the TASCS Web site at: www.texasascsociety.org.
About TASCS
The Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) is the state organization that represents and serves
the nearly 400 ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in Texas. TASCS provides support and advocacy services
to Texas ASCs. TASCS was founded in 2003.