2026 Best ASC Endoscopy Recognition from U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in health rankings and consumer advice, has named Gastroenterology Associates of Catawba Valley Endoscopy Center one of the 2026 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in North Carolina. 

This marks the third consecutive year the Hickory-based Endoscopy Center has earned an overall High Performing rating, receiving the highest possible score of three out of three. 

Ranked among the top 18 ambulatory surgery centers out of 83 facilities evaluated statewide for colonoscopy and endoscopy services, the Endoscopy Center is the only facility in the Unifour area to achieve a High Performing designation. 

For the 2026 edition, U.S. News evaluated 4,421 ASCs nationwide in collaboration with Arcadia, a provider of advanced health data insights. The specialties evaluated included Colonoscopy & Endoscopy, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics & Spine, and Urology. Only 21% of centers evaluated were designated as Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers, a distinction reserved for those facilities that meet rigorous standards for patient safety and clinical outcomes.

“We are extremely proud of our entire team for achieving this national recognition,” said Dr. Caroll Koscheski with Gastroenterology Associates of Catawba Valley. “We are dedicated to our mission of providing exceptional, high-quality care to all our patients. We are truly honored to receive this prestigious distinction.”

U.S. News' methodology ensures a rigorous assessment, focusing on key performance indicators. Ambulatory surgery centers were evaluated based entirely on objective, risk-adjusted measures of their patients’ outcomes, including how successfully they avoided complications, emergency room visits, unplanned hospitalizations, and other undesirable outcomes.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are specialized outpatient facilities designed for same-day surgical and diagnostic procedures. ASCs provide patients with a more streamlined, convenient experience with shorter wait times and less cost. Since procedures at ASCs do not require an overnight stay, patients are typically able to return home safely and quickly.

Gastroenterology Associates of Catawba Valley is one of 11 specialty care practices and 18 primary care practices comprising Catawba Valley Health System’s Catawba Valley Medical Group. More information about becoming a patient at Gastroenterology Associates of Catawba Valley and the services they offer can be found at https://www.gastro-associates.net/