FAQs
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a formal process by which a recognized body, usually a non-governmental organization assesses and recognizes that a health care organization meets applicable pre-determined and published standards. Originally it was a voluntary process through which an organization measures the quality of its services and performance, however, today the process has changed as many state laws require accreditation for ambulatory surgical facilities and office based surgeries.
Why should a healthcare organization want to be accredited?
The accreditation certificate is a symbol that an organization is committed to providing high-quality health care and that it has demonstrated that commitment by measuring up to national standards.
Accreditation is a signal of confidence to the community and gives organizations a marketing edge over its competitors.
In addition, accreditation will satisfy regulatory requirements for licensure or certification, facilitates third-party reimbursement and insurance premium reduction. Accreditation is also a means of earning Medicare 'deemed status' by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Who should or needs to be accredited?
- Ambulatory Care Facilities
- Ambulatory Surgical Facilities
- College and University Health Centers
- Community Health Centers
- Dental Group Practices
- Diagnostic Imaging Centers
- Endoscopy Centers
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- Hospitals
- Independent Physician Associations (IPAs)
- Long Term Care Facilities
- Moderate or high complexity laboratories
- Oncology Facilities
- Oral Surgery Facilities
- Pain Management Centers
- Patient Centered Medical Home
- Physician Practices
- Radiation and Oncology Centers
- Urgent Care
- Women's Health and Birthing Centers
- Office Based Surgery
How can Healthcare Accreditation Resources LLC help me achieve Accreditation?
Preparing for the accreditation process can be a daunting task for most practices. CMS requirements, HIPAA compliance regulations, OSHA, and ADA regulations are but a few of the obstacles that must be overcome to achieve accreditation.
Practice managers and physicians must concentrate on running their organization and not become distracted by the complexities of accreditation requirements.
This is where Healthcare Accreditation Resources LLC can help. We help prepare your practice for accrediting agency or regulatory surveys to include but not necessarily limited to: (The Joint Commission: TJC, AAAHC, AAAASF, NCQA, CHAP, CMS, DPH, OSHA, CLIA etc.)
What are costs associated with accreditation?
Healthcare Accreditation Resources LLC strives to make the process as cost effective as possible by promoting practice involvement with a choice of options available. You should also consider the associated costs include both fixed and variable fees that are determined by the accrediting agency as well as the size and complexity of your facility.
Which agency is right for me?
Based on both available objective data and Healthcare Accreditation Resources LLC experience we will help you with the decision making process.
Each medical practice must determine and evaluate the cost/benefit ratio of the various approved accrediting agencies to best suit their facility needs.
How do I get started?
For a detailed look at how to approach accreditation, including a comprehensive review of the process and the associated costs, please call us at 508-654-4780 or e-mail pdh@har.us.com.
MOVING THE QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE FORWARD