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AAAHC survey tips for constant preparation

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, August 11, 2005

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The staff at Anaheim (CA) Surgicenter, Inc. found their January Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) survey experience positive and attribute their success to constant preparation.

The surgery center's survey was the second conducted by the AAAHC since it opened eight years ago, says Michael Blum, DDS, oral/maxillofacial surgeon and private practice owner. "It was an excellent survey experience," Blum says. "The surveyor couldn't have been nicer. He made sure we were comfortable the whole time."

Constant preparation is key

Successfully surveyed ambulatory surgery centers agree that continual readiness is essential to maintaining accreditation. Blum suggests staying current with all of the facility's records, including medical records, employee files, lease agreements, contracts, legal files, and meeting minutes.

Don't fall behind on any of your paperwork so you don't have to scramble right before survey to put documents in order, Blum says.

In addition to reviewing the center's records, the surveyor also observed the physical make up of the facility. He inspected the set up of the building and the flow pattern to determine that the patient environment is safe.

Maintain quality of care

The AAAHC is on your side; the surveyors want to help you perform well, Blum says. "They were not testing us or looking to catch us doing something wrong," he says. "They are teachers."

Once you receive your accreditation or reaccreditation, make patients aware of it. For example, in Blum's facility, the AAAHC certificate is posted where visitors can see it. Visible places include the waiting room and reception desk. Information about AAAHC accreditation and why the organization chooses to obtain it is also outlined in patient education pamphlets.

"Telling patients about your accreditation assures them they are receiving the best quality of care and that your practice meets nationally recognized standards," he says.

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