Accreditation is often viewed as a regulatory necessity, but for ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators, it can also serve as a powerful marketing tool..
“It’s kind of like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” according to Laurie Roderiques, RN, director of clinical services for Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. “That can possibly put you a leg up on someone else.”
Roderiques spoke at the recent virtual conference hosted by John Goehle.
The primary accrediting organizations for ASCs in the U.S. include four entities currently approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to conduct deemed status surveys. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) is the largest accrediting organization for ASCs, followed by the Joint Commission (TJC), a long-established authority in health care accreditation.
Quad A, formerly known as Quad ASF, was initially focused on accrediting plastic surgery centers but has since expanded its scope to accredit ASCs. And the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) has also emerged as a newer option, gaining traction for its user-friendly standards and emphasis on Medicare compliance.
Patients increasingly prioritize transparency and trust when choosing healthcare providers, and accreditation can be a differentiating factor, Roderiques said. Whether in a competitive urban market or a less saturated rural area, showcasing a facility’s commitment to meeting stringent standards can reassure patients, she added.
“Proudly show your certificate in your waiting area,” she said. “Proudly put the logo for your accreditation organization on your website, on the door going into your surgery center, on all of your advertising, on those billboards if you’re putting advertising up.”
Non-deemed status surveys
Non-deemed status surveys, an evaluation process for ambulatory surgery centers that operate independently of Medicare certification through a deemed accrediting organization, are another way to show that facilities maintain quality standards. These surveys serve to assess whether an ASC meets specific regulatory requirements, either at the state level or as part of voluntary efforts to ensure compliance.
Unlike surveys tied to Medicare certification, which are conducted by deemed accreditation organizations such as AAAHC or the Joint Commission, non-deemed status surveys are not directly linked to Medicare Conditions for Coverage.
Instead, these surveys may be required by state regulations or chosen voluntarily by the ASC to evaluate operational practices and adherence to healthcare standards. They offer a degree of flexibility, as the survey dates are typically negotiated between the facility and the survey organization, allowing both parties to find a mutually agreeable time frame.
ASCs are responsible for covering the costs associated with these surveys, which often focus on critical aspects of facility operations, including infection control, sanitation, safety and overall management. While these surveys do not result in Medicare certification, they provide ASCs with an opportunity to identify areas for improvement, enhance patient safety and demonstrate commitment to high standards of care.
Switching accreditation organizations
Poor customer service or overly complex processes with an existing accreditor are cited as common reasons for change, Roderiques said. However, she warned against switching purely in response to unfavorable survey outcomes.
Instead, operators should evaluate customer service, responsiveness and the alignment of standards with your ASC’s goals when considering a switch, she said.
For centers that do decide to change accrediting bodies, the process typically involves rewriting policies and procedures to align with the new organization’s standards and ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations.
Accreditation is a continuous process, not a one-time event, Roderiques said, urging operators to stay proactive and ensure compliance year-round to avoid pitfalls during surveys.
“If this was not your accreditation cycle, you still need to go get in there and do the work and set up your account because you don’t want to lose anything that you have. And don’t wait [until] the last minute,” she said.
