Big, busy hospitals can be lifesavers—when you need them. But when outpatient care is possible, patients often prefer ambulatory care centers: they allow you to have procedures done after business hours, and closer to home.

Ambulatory surgical centers performed more than half of all outpatient surgeries in 2017, according to Bain research, and that percentage is already expanding. Orthopedic, cardio and spinal surgeries are expected to drive the growth.

To help our readers make knowledgeable choices when they seek care for themselves or loved ones, Newsweek partnered with respected global research firm Statista to name America's Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2021. This list spotlights the 400 best centers in the 25 states that have the most facilities. (They are: California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, Minnesota, Arizona, Mississippi, New York, South Carolina, Indiana, Kansas and Tennessee.)

Our experts and our survey-participants assessed quality of care, performance data and peer recommendations relative to in-state competition. they also took into account how well facilities were responding to the threat of COVID-19.

Even after you've decided to undergo a procedure, it can be stressful to choose a facility. Your health, safety and quality of life are important to you—and to everyone who cares about and depends on you. We hope these trustworthy, carefully vetted rankings of America's Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers help you make choices with confidence.

To view the Hospital rankings, please click here.