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A C C R E D I T A T I O N
1. Administrative empowerment
Being accredited, and having the accreditation body's backing, lets me
tell our docs that not only should we be at the forefront of quality care,
we have to be at the forefront of quality care. For example, our docs
became frustrated when a new regulation seemed to require us to toss
unused propofol from large economical vials that contained enough of
the drug for use on multiple patients but, according to the regulation,
could be used on only one. We were wasting the drug and money. By
changing our policy and procedure, we were able to meet the new standard and do the right thing from an infection control standpoint.
Accreditation also helps me secure capital equipment dollars for instrument upgrades that let us meet staff and patient safety standards. When
we wanted to add laser procedures, for example, I included the purchase of a smoke evacuator. The docs asked, "Do we really need that?"
Well, yeah, we do.
2. Improved negotiations
Being accredited is a definite plus
payors. In some locations, it might
get you better rates and let you
strike deals with payors that require
accreditation before they'll offer a
contract. It definitely keeps your
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BY THE BOOK Accreditation manuals let you focus on
what surveyors will look for during their next visit.
Regional Ambulatory Surgery Center
when negotiating with third-party
