The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care launched an Advanced Orthopaedic Certification program for ASCs seeking recognition in total joint and spine procedures.
Here are the key details to know:
1. The three-year certification was developed by a panel of practicing professionals experienced in spine and orthopedic procedures.
2. The Advanced Orthopaedic Certification builds on AAAHC accreditation.
"This program heightens the focus on the importance of 'team' in delivery of quality orthopedic care and provides patients seeking care more information specific to the ASCs delivering these services," said Arnaldo Valedon, MD, anesthesiologist and AAAHC Board chair, in a statement. "Top quality ASCs equally emphasize preoperative preparation, evidence-based intraoperative pathways for care, and postoperative management."
3. The new certification program assesses an organization's use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, ongoing performance improvement strategies and an organizational infrastructure that encourages excellence.
4. An onsite survey conducted by a clinical surveyor experienced in the ambulatory orthopedic setting provides organizations with a comprehensive focus on pre-assessments, discharge and rehabilitation. The survey is an "educational experience" that uses standards focused on the delivery of orthopedic services.
"Many of our AAAHC-accredited ASCs have expressed interest in an orthopaedic certification program to validate and continue to improve their high-quality care and patient outcomes in orthopedic procedures," said Noel Adachi, MBA, president and CEO of AAAHC in a statement. "Our program was designed to help organizations strengthen their focus on improving orthopedic patient outcomes and is aligned with requests from third party insurers to determine ways to identify providers with a proven history of delivering exceptional care and results."
5. The certification framework includes the following:
● Effective leadership, including commitment to the certification program and data-driven improvement opportunities
● Integrated care, which covers information management systems and patient feedback