Several ASCs have received accreditation for surgeries, and the Joint Commission released the pandemic's effect on accredited ASCs. 

The Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Panther Creek, an ASC owned by Raleigh, N.C.-based UNC Rex Healthcare and Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic through a partnership, received CMS approval on March 3.

The Joint Commission outlined the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on accredited ASCs and plans for future surveys in a March 1 blog post.

Herrin-based Southern Illinois Orthopaedic Center was reaccredited by the 2021 Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, according to a Jan. 30 report from The Southern Illinoisan.

Since the pandemic began, ASC accreditation organizations had to rethink how to conduct on-site surveys, while ASC leaders haven't reported significant changes in their preparations.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care published an updated version of its "Ambulatory Procedure Considerations for Obese Patients Toolkit," according to a Jan. 25 news release.

Here are nine key updates from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and The Joint Commission in 2020:

  Raleigh, N.C.-based Triangle Orthopaedics Surgery Center received The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care's Advanced Orthopaedic Certification, according to a Dec. 21 news release.

Leland, N.C.-based Brunswick Surgery Center achieved the Certificate of Accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, according to a Dec. 17 news release.

CMS renewed The Joint Commission's authority to accredit ASCs seeking participation in Medicare or Medicaid, according to a Dec. 8 announcement.

The Joint Commission launched a website section with resources specifically for ASCs, the accrediting body said in a Dec. 7 post.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare released an updated guide for preoperative evaluation, according to a Dec. 2 press release.

  The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care named new officers and three elected positions to its board of directors for 2021, according to a Nov. 10 press release.

  Plymouth (Mass.) Bay Orthopedic Associates received hip and knee replacement certification from The Joint Commission, according to a Nov. 7 report from Wicked Local.

  The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care published its 41st version of its Accreditation Handbook for Health Plans and the Accreditation Handbook for FEHB Health Plans, according to a Nov. 2 press release.

  BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina designated The Surgery Center at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in Columbia a Blue Distinction Center+ for spine surgery, according to an Oct. 29 report from the Columbia Star.

  Rockville, Md.-based Fallsgrove Endoscopy Center was awarded The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for ambulatory care, according to an Oct. 22 press release.

Skokie, Ill.-based Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care received four-year accreditation from the International Society for Quality in Health Care's External Evaluation Association International Accreditation Program, according to an Oct. 21 press release. 

  The Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program will join the Accreditation Commission for Health Care to form a single company, according to an Oct. 20 statement.

Raleigh, N.C.-based FastMed Urgent Care received accreditation from The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for ambulatory care, according to an Oct. 13 press release.