Global Ambulatory Services Market By Type (Emergency Departments, Primary Care, Surgical Specialty), By Application (Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Pain Management) By Geographic Scope and Forecast

Global Ambulatory Services Market Size and Forecast

Global Ambulatory Services market size was valued at USD 4.6 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.96 Billion by 2031 , growing at a CAGR of 5.32% from 2024 to 2031. Ambulatory services refer to a variety of medical care and treatment options available to patients who do not require hospitalization and can get care in outpatient settings. These services include basic check-ups, diagnostic tests, minor surgical procedures, and rehabilitation therapies for patients who can walk in and out of the institution in one day. Ambulatory services have a wide range of applications in healthcare, including primary care, specialist care, and urgent care, providing greater flexibility and accessibility.

The future of ambulatory services seems positive, due to technology developments, an older population, and a trend toward value-based care.

Global Ambulatory Services Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the global ambulatory services market include:

Key Drivers:

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases:

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is a major motivator for ambulatory care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases account for 71% of all deaths worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six out of ten persons in the United States have a chronic disease, with four out of ten having two or more. The high frequency of chronic illnesses demands regular outpatient care and monitoring, which increases demand for ambulatory services.

Ageing Population:

The worldwide aging population is a significant driver of ambulatory services. According to the United Nations, by 2050, one in every six persons on the planet would be over the age of 65 (16%), up from one in every 11 in 2019. In Europe and North America this rate is anticipated to increase to one in every four people by 2050. This generational transition raises the demand for accessible outpatient care and regular health management services, hence strengthening the ambulatory services industry.

Technological Advancements in Ambulatory Care:

Technological advancements are improving the capabilities of ambulatory services. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, by 2021, 93% of office-based physicians in the United States will have implemented certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. This high acceptance rate of EHRs and other technologies, such as telemedicine, is increasing the efficiency and accessibility of ambulatory services, resulting in market development.

Shift Towards Value-Based Care:

The global healthcare system is shifting toward value-based care, prioritizing ambulatory treatments over more expensive inpatient care. In the United States, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says that 67% of Medicare enrollees were enrolled in an alternative payment model in 2020, up from 58% in 2017. The transition to value-based care models encourages the adoption of cost-effective ambulatory services, which contributes to market growth.

Key Challenges:

Regulatory Compliance:

Ambulatory services must adhere to complicated regulatory frameworks that include licensing regulations, reimbursement rules, and quality standards. Adherence to these standards can be resource-intensive, necessitating frequent changes to maintain compliance, complicating operations and increasing administrative responsibilities.

Integration of Technology

: While technology provides potential to improve patient care and operational efficiency, adopting new systems can be difficult. Ambulatory services frequently struggle to integrate electronic health records (EHR), telehealth platforms, and other digital tools that need training and may disrupt existing workflows.

Patient Access and Engagement

: Ensuring patients have access to ambulatory treatments and are involved in their care can be difficult. Factors such as socioeconomic inequities, a lack of mobility, and varied degrees of health literacy can all impede patients' capacity to properly use outpatient care.

Cost Management and Reimbursement:

Ambulatory services frequently face financial challenges due to variable reimbursement rates from insurers and government programs. Managing operating expenditures while remaining profitable can be difficult, especially for smaller firms with limited resources to absorb financial volatility.

Key Trends:

Increasing Telehealth Use:

The epidemic has hastened the use of telehealth services, allowing patients to get care remotely. This trend is projected to continue as healthcare providers and patients realize the convenience and efficiency of virtual consultations, resulting in increased access to ambulatory services.

Focus on Value-Based Care:

There is a rising preference for value-based care models that prioritize patient outcomes over service volume. Ambulatory services are increasingly adopting this approach, integrating care coordination, preventative services, and chronic illness management programs to promote patient health while minimizing costs.

Expansion of Specialty Care Services:

Ambulatory care is becoming more specialized, with options including orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology. This trend is driven by patient desire for accessible access to specialized care that does not require hospitalization, allowing for more tailored treatments in outpatient settings.

Integration of Advanced Technologies:

Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and wearable health devices are becoming more common in ambulatory care. These technologies improve patient monitoring, expedite operations, and allow for more individualized care, resulting in better overall patient experiences and results.

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Global Ambulatory Services Market, Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global ambulatory services market:

North America:

North America, particularly the United States, has a high prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing demand for ambulatory care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six out of every ten persons in the United States have a chronic disease, with four out of ten having two or more. According to the CDC, 37.3 million people in the United States (11.3% of the population) will have diabetes by 2021, with 96 million adults having prediabetes. The growing frequency of chronic illnesses demands regular outpatient care and monitoring, which boosts the ambulatory service industry.

The aging population and rising life expectancy in North America are driving demand for ambulatory care. According to the US Census Bureau, by 2030, all baby boomers would be over the age of 65, bringing the total number of older people to 73 million. By 2060, roughly one out of every four Americans will be 65 or older. According to Statistics Canada, seniors aged 65 and older already account for 18.5% of the Canadian population, with this figure expected to rise to 23% by 2031. This demographic transition raises the demand for outpatient care and ongoing health management services.

Asia Pacific:

The Asia-Pacific region's geriatric population is rapidly growing, resulting in increased need for ambulatory care. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the number of individuals aged 65 and more in the region is expected to more than double, from 395 million in 2020 to 850 million in 2050. In countries such as Japan, the proportion of people aged 65 and older is predicted to reach 38% by 2050. This demographic transition is driving up the demand for easily accessible and effective ambulatory care services to manage chronic illnesses and provide frequent health check-ups for the elderly.

Governments in Asia-Pacific are investing in healthcare and infrastructure development, driving growth in the ambulatory services industry. According to the OECD, health-care spending as a proportion of GDP is increasing in several Asian countries. For example, Chinese healthcare spending rose from 4.3% of GDP in 2000 to 6.6% in 2018. In 2018, the Indian government launched the Ayushman Bharat program, with the goal of establishing 150,000 Health and Wellness Centers to provide comprehensive primary care, including ambulatory services. The additional investment improves access to ambulatory care facilities and services throughout the region.

Global Ambulatory Services Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Ambulatory Services market is segmented on the basis of By Type, By Application, By Geography.

Global Ambulatory Services Market, By Type

• Emergency Departments
• Primary Care
• Surgical Specialty

Based on Type, the Global Ambulatory Services Market is segmented into Emergency Departments, Primary Care, and Surgical Specialty. The primary care sector is the dominant category because it includes a wide range of routine healthcare services that meet the bulk of the population's healthcare needs. Meanwhile, the surgical specialty segment is the fastest expanding, thanks to advances in minimally invasive surgical methods and an increased demand for outpatient surgical treatments that allow patients to recover at home rather than in a hospital.

Global Ambulatory Services Market, By Application

• Ophthalmology
• Gastroenterology
• Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Based on the Application, the Global Ambulatory Services Market is segmented into Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, and Pain Management. The orthopedics section dominates, owing to the high frequency of musculoskeletal problems and the growing need for orthopedic procedures. In contrast, the pain management market is the fastest-growing, driven by greater awareness of chronic pain concerns and the growing use of novel treatment methods, including as less invasive treatments and multimodal

Global Ambulatory Services Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the Global Ambulatory Services Markets are classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America is the dominant region, owing to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending, and significant emphasis on outpatient treatment. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific area is the fastest-growing market, owing to rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing emphasis on expanding healthcare access and enhancing healthcare services in developing countries.

Key Players

• The "Global Ambulatory Services Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market including some of the major players of the industry are
• AmSurg Corp, IntegraMed America, Tenet Healthcare Corporation, Terveystalo, Aspen Healthcare, Medical Facilities Corporation, Symbion Pty Ltd, HCA Healthcare , Fresenius Kabi AG, LVL Medical, DaVita, Inc., Sonic Healthcare Limited, Surgery Partners, Medical Facilities Corporation.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with its product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• Global Ambulatory Services Market: Recent Developments
• In March 2024, Kaiser Permanente has added new digital health tools to its ambulatory services, improving patient involvement and remote monitoring capabilities. This approach is consistent with the increased emphasis on technology in healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
• In May 2024, UnitedHealth Group has introduced new ambulatory care models aimed at improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare expenditures. These models prioritize preventative care and chronic disease management, demonstrating the company's dedication to improving outpatient services and encouraging value-based care.
• In April 2024, The Mayo Clinic announced a large investment in new outpatient facilities in strategic areas. The program intends to broaden its reach and provide high-quality ambulatory services to meet the growing patient demand for convenient healthcare solutions.