Making Decisions About Home Care

Everything You Need To Know About Surgery Center Accreditation

by Mae Ferguson

When you have surgery scheduled, you want to ensure you get the best care. Using an accredited surgery center is key to that quality of care. Here's what you need to know about surgery center accreditation.

What is surgery center accreditation?

Surgery center accreditation is a process by which a facility demonstrates that it meets certain quality and safety standards. This process is voluntary, but many insurance companies will only reimburse for services performed at accredited centers.

What are the benefits of surgery center accreditation?

There are many benefits to having an accredited surgery center, including:

  • Improved quality of care
  • Increased patient safety
  • Improved staff morale
  • Increased efficiency

What is the accrediting agency for hospitals and surgery centers?

There are two main accrediting bodies for surgery centers: AAHC and JCAHO.

  • Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare (AAHC). AAHC is an organization that helps make sure surgery centers and primary care offices are meeting certain standards of quality and safety. Accreditation is important because it means that you can be sure you're getting the best possible care at an accredited facility.
  • Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). While initially focused on hospitals, JCAHO has expanded its reach to include surgery centers and other healthcare settings. JCAHO, or simply Joint Commission, is a partnership between a non-profit company and the government to ensure the safety of patients.

What are the standards for surgery center accreditation?

The standards for surgery center accreditation vary depending on the accrediting agency. However, there are some general standards that all accredited centers must meet, including:

  • Written policy on infection control
  • Qualified medical director
  • Adequate staff and resources
  • System in place to handle complaints and concerns
  • Follow all state and federal regulations
  • Sufficient chain of custody procedures

Additionally, each surgery center must have a medical director responsible for the quality of care at the facility. The medical director must be a licensed physician and have experience in the field of surgery.

What is the process of surgery center accreditation?

The process of surgery center accreditation begins with a self-assessment by the center. The assessment is followed by an on-site visit from a team of surveyors. The surveyors will review the center's policies and procedures and interview staff. Based on their findings, the surveyors make a recommendation to the accrediting agency. If the center meets the standards, it will be accredited.

It's important to know about surgery center accreditation to ensure you get the best possible care. Take to your doctor or call the surgery center directly for more information.

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