SpineCenterAtlanta Receives AAAASF Accreditation
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) October 09, 2013 -- SpineCenterAtlanta is pleased to announce their recent accreditation by the prestigious American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF). This coveted accreditation is based on the most stringent standards for patient care and safety and is currently shared by only a select number of ambulatory surgery facilities in the nation.
The AAAASF was established in 1980 and seeks to standardize and improve the quality of medical and surgical care in ambulatory surgery facilities. It is considered to be the “gold standard” for quality patient care in the ambulatory surgery setting. The AAAASF accreditation program was designed to help provide patients with the assurance of safety and quality in all aspects of the outpatient surgery experience. To receive this accreditation, SpineCenterAtlanta was required to meet 100% of the most stringent national standards for equipment, operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials.
The development of less invasive spine surgical procedures, advances in surgical and anesthesia techniques and economic pressure have created a trend in outpatient surgery. As a result, more and more physicians are performing surgical procedures in their offices or outpatient facilities. While this trend offers benefits to patients, doctors and insurance providers, it does raise some concerns. One of the biggest concerns is that many doctors are performing outpatient procedures that are far afield from their training or not in their specific field of specialty. Another concern is regarding the use of oral or IV sedation on patients who undergo surgical procedures in non-accredited facilities. The AAAASF accreditation assures proper credentials and provides safeguards to prevent these things from happening. While AAAASF accreditation is still voluntary in most states, a growing number of states throughout the country are recognizing the need for mandatory accreditation. In 1996, California became the first state to mandate accreditation for all outpatient facilities that administer sedation or general anesthesia. Many other states are expected to follow California in this decision. In addition, many private insurance carriers recognize accreditation by AAAASF for reimbursement of covered procedures.
As an AAAASF accredited facility, SpineCenterAtlanta must comply with all applicable local, state and federal regulations, adhere to federal laws and regulations affecting their operation and utilize advanced equipment and monitoring devices for patient safety during surgery and the recovery period. In addition, all individuals using the facility must meet specific criteria outlined by the AAAASF. Lastly, they must provide for the administration of general anesthesia, when appropriate, by a board-certified or board-eligible anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist. These criteria were put into place by the AAAASF with the goal of protecting patients and improving safety as well as patient care. According to Dr. Armin V. Oskouei, Director of Interventional Spine at SpineCenterAtlanta, “We are honored to have received accreditation from the AAAASF and are pleased to be able to offer the assurance of the highest standards of patient safety and care to our valued patients. We will continue to strive for excellence everyday and to uphold the quality and safety standards set forth by the AAAASF.”
About SpineCenterAtlanta:
SpineCenterAtlanta is a comprehensive spine care facility located in Atlanta, Georgia and featuring board-certified Orthopedic surgeons, Spine surgeons and Interventional Spine physicians as well as a complete ancillary staff of licensed Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists and Acupuncturists. Their facility offers state-of-the-art treatments and effective solutions for complex spine problems including acute and chronic neck and back pain. If you would like to get more information about SpineCenterAtlanta, please visit their website at http://www.spinecenteratlanta.com or call their office at (404) 351-5812.
Greg Johnson, SpineCenter Atlanta, http://www.spinecenteratlanta.com, 404-351-5812, [email protected]
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