The concept started with hospitals. But now, thanks to the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, nearly all types of ambulatory health care providers can achieve this distinction. Accreditation offers many more quantitative as well as intangible benefits to an ambulatory surgery center than public recognition alone. Accreditation can actually enhance a center's strategic management decision making process. But most important, they tell us it helps them deliver their ultimate bottom line - high quality patient care.
Accreditation is a voluntary process involving several steps.
Accreditation may be awarded for either six months, one year, or three years. The accreditation decision could be deferred or denied as well. The certificate of accreditation is the most visible result of the process. The ultimate value of accreditation, however, lies in the on going self-analysis, peer review, and consultation the center gains as it continues its participation in the program. This is accomplished through the development of standards and through its survey and accreditation programs.