Dr. English's state-of-the-art surgical facility is in it's fourth term of being accredited over the last two decades.

What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary process through which an ambulatory health care organization is able to measure the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized standards. The accreditation process involves self-assessment by the organization, as well as a thorough review by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC's) expert surveyors, who are themselves, ambulatory health care professionals.

The AAAHC Certificate of Accreditation is a symbol to others that an organization has committed to providing high-quality care and that it has demonstrated its commitment by measuring up to the AAAHC's high standards. The real value of accreditation, however, lies in the consultative and educational process that precedes the awarding of the certificate. It is this self-analysis, peer review and consultation that ultimately helps an organization improve its care and services.

What Does Accreditation Mean for My Care?
Getting ready to undergo a surgical procedure is a serious undertaking. Patients should be prepared to ask Dr. English questions not only about his personal credentials and training, but also about the practice and abilities to perform the procedure they are considering.

Looking for a seal of accreditation can help you make some of these informed choices. Accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) means that the surgical center organization has undergone a thorough review of its policies and practices.

Below are some examples of what AAAHC looks for when surveying an organization/surgery center:

Patient Rights

• Are patients treated with respect, consideration and dignity?
• Are patients provided with complete information concerning their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and prognosis and given the opportunity to participate in decisions involving their health care?
• Are patients given information regarding their rights and responsibilities, services available to them at the organization, provisions for after-hours and emergency care, fees, payment policies and credentialing of health care professionals.

Governance

• Is there a process for identifying, analyzing, reporting and preparing an action plan for adverse incidents?
• Does the organization have an appropriate procedure for validating the qualifications of individuals who provide health care services?
• Does the organization have an appropriate procedure for determining what types of procedures a health care professional may provide?

Administration

• Does the organizations maintain an appropriate and secure health information system?
• Are there appropriate personnel policies?
• Does the organization do periodic patient satisfaction surveys?

Quality of Care Provided

• Are patients contacted in a timely manner regarding significant problems and/or abnormal lab findings?
• Are there mechanisms in place to ensure the transfer of patients when appropriate?

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