USOP Centers Earn Top Marks, Leading a Revolution in Orthopedic Care

JACKSON, Miss. – March 24, 2026 – Two Mississippi-based ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) affiliated with U.S. Orthopaedic Partners (USOP) have once again secured a coveted spot on the U.S. News & World Report's list of the "Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers for Orthopedics & Spine." The repeat recognition for Bienville Surgery Center in Vancleave and North Mississippi Surgery Center in Tupelo not only highlights their exceptional performance but also spotlights a profound transformation sweeping across the landscape of American healthcare: the definitive shift of complex orthopedic surgeries from traditional hospitals to specialized outpatient facilities.

This year, U.S. News evaluated over 4,400 ASCs nationwide, designating only 911—or about 21%—as "High Performing." The USOP-affiliated centers earned their place through objectively measured, superior patient outcomes, including lower complication rates and fewer unplanned hospital visits. For patients and providers, this trend represents a paradigm shift toward care that is not only more cost-effective but also demonstrably safer and more convenient.

The Outpatient Revolution

The days when a knee replacement automatically meant a multi-day hospital stay are rapidly fading. Fueled by advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and post-operative care protocols, the outpatient setting has become the new frontier for orthopedic excellence. ASCs are specialized environments designed for efficiency and patient-centricity, avoiding the bureaucratic and logistical complexities of large hospital systems. This streamlined model translates into significant benefits for all stakeholders.

Research indicates that procedures performed at ASCs can cost significantly less than the same procedures in a hospital outpatient department, with Medicare alone saving an estimated $2.6 billion annually. Patients often see lower out-of-pocket costs, experience shorter wait times, and face a reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections. A recent survey by The Leapfrog Group found that patients consistently rated their experience at ASCs more favorably than at hospitals across every measured domain. The convenience of recovering in the comfort of one's own home is an added, highly valued benefit.

"Our ASCs are setting the standard for where orthopedic care is headed," said Steve Holtzclaw, MD, MBA, CEO of USOP, in a statement. "The shift to outpatient surgery is accelerating nationwide because it delivers better outcomes at a lower cost. That's a win for patients, physicians, and payors."

A Blueprint for Quality and Growth

U.S. Orthopaedic Partners has positioned itself at the vanguard of this movement. As the nation's leading orthopedic management services organization (MSO), its entire business model is built around identifying premier orthopedic practices and empowering them to thrive, with ASC development as a core pillar of its strategy. Formed in 2020, USOP has rapidly expanded its network to include 10 elite practices across the Southeast, creating a powerful platform for sharing best practices, leveraging group purchasing power, and optimizing operations.

The company’s physician-led structure is a key differentiator, ensuring that clinical excellence remains the driving force behind its business decisions. This focus on quality is validated by the stringent criteria of the U.S. News rankings, which analyze risk-adjusted data on everything from complication rates to unplanned emergency room visits and hospital admissions post-surgery.

"Our team has been focused on doing this the right way for a long time," noted Jonathan Brown, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists and a USOP Board member. "We're delivering high-quality care in a setting that's more efficient and more convenient for patients—and consistently delivering results to back it up."

The success of the Bienville and North Mississippi centers serves as a proof of concept for the USOP model. Bienville Surgery Center remains the only facility on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to earn the U.S. News honor, while North Mississippi Surgery Center is one of just two recognized in the northern half of the state, demonstrating a clear pattern of regional leadership and quality.

Expanding Access to Top-Tier Care

Bolstered by its proven success, USOP is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that will bring its model of high-quality, lower-cost surgical care to more communities across the Southeast. The company has several new ASC development projects in its pipeline, reflecting a long-term strategy to build a robust network of state-of-the-art facilities.

Upcoming projects include:

• Alexandria, LA: A new center affiliated with Mid State Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine is on schedule for a September 2026 opening.
• Huntsville, AL: Following the satisfaction of all Certificate of Need (CON) requirements, SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center expects to break ground in 2026 for a planned 2027 opening.
• Montgomery, AL: A project with Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons is advancing, with groundbreaking anticipated in 2026 and a target opening in 2028.
• Birmingham, AL: As part of a broader campus development, Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center is targeting a 2028 opening for its new ASC.

These investments are not just about corporate growth; they represent a significant enhancement of local healthcare infrastructure. By establishing these centers, USOP is increasing patient access to specialized care, introducing competition that can help control costs, and providing a more convenient option for a growing number of orthopedic procedures. As the healthcare industry continues its evolution toward value-based models, the performance, efficiency, and patient satisfaction delivered by ASCs are setting a new national benchmark for orthopedic and spine care.