asc

ASC is an initialism that can refer to several distinct entities and concepts across different fields. The most widely recognized is the American Society of Cinematographers, a professional organization founded in 1919 and based in Los Angeles. The ASC advocates for cinematography as an art and craft, supports technical advancement, and promotes professional development among practitioners. It grants membership to qualified directors of photography and related roles, and publishes the trade magazine American Cinematographer. The society also presents awards recognizing excellence in cinematography and contributes to industry standards and education.

A second common meaning is Ambulatory Surgical Center, a healthcare facility that provides outpatient surgical procedures without overnight hospitalization. ASCs are licensed and regulated facilities that may be owned by physicians, hospital systems, or corporate entities. They are designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs, with procedures typically performed under anesthesia and requiring postoperative recovery in a short, monitored period. Accreditation and adherence to patient safety and quality standards are important, and Medicare and private insurers generally reimburse ASC services under facility-based payment structures.

A third usage refers to the Australian Securities Commission, the former name of Australia’s national corporate and financial-market regulator, now known as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The ASC operated from roughly the late 20th century until the reorganization in the early 2000s, overseeing company registrations, financial reporting, and market integrity prior to the transition to ASIC.

Because ASC has multiple meanings, its interpretation depends on context, with usage common in film and photography, healthcare, and Australian regulatory history.