The SwiftPath Program rolled out a certification for ASCs that adopt and adhere to the standards it developed for safe, reliable outpatient hip and knee replacements.
Here are four highlights.
1. ASCs that adhere to the standards will be recognized as SwiftPath Certified Ambulatory Joint Replacement Centers of Excellence.
2. SwiftPath Certified AJRCs standards address several issues relevant to outpatient joint replacement surgery, including implant management, staff training, facilities, infection prevention, patient education, pain management and blood preservation.
3. SwiftPath Certified AJRCs are facilities designed for and focused on joint replacement.
4. Kirkland, Wash.-based Proliance Eastside Surgery Center is the first ASC in the U.S. to receive the SwiftPath Certified AJRC designation. The ASC's affiliated surgeons have performed more than 400 hip and knee replacements following the SwiftPath criteria.
"Outpatient joint replacement surgery can be quite successful and rewarding for patients, providers, facilities and payers. However, some ASCs are simply not prepared or equipped for the special needs and considerations for these major surgeries," said Craig McAllister, MD, the SwiftPath Program's president and chief medical officer.