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JCAHO introduces new accreditation approach for ambulatory care systems

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, September 6, 2005

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is exploring a new way to accredit ambulatory care systems, according to the latest issue of JCAHO's Ambulatory Advisor.

The new option could see ambulatory care systems with multiple sites that provide the same type of services and have the same ownership receiving a single accreditation decision from the organization.

The process would require an on-site visit to the system's headquarters, where accreditors would "evaluate systemwide functions and operations and how well the system oversees and manages its sites."

After this evaluation, a random sampling of sites would experience unannounced onsite surveys. The system headquarters would then undergo another onsite review to follow up on areas that prompted questions during the site surveys. The system would then receive its accreditation decision.

If the system receives accreditation, the system will be accredited but the individual sites would not be considered separately accredited.

The new evaluation method will be used to survey up to three ambulatory systems over the next few months, with the possibility of expanding the method next year.

To read the issue of the Ambulatory Advisor that discusses this new approach, click here.

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