The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care has updated its three-year standards for orthopedic practices seeking an advanced orthopedic certification, according to an April 10 press release.
Here are seven ways that practices can prepare for an AAAHC certification:
1. Identify the core leaders who direct the specialty service throughout the certification process. Ensure at least one is an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.
2. Develop a project plan that is continuously renewed and updated. The plan can be used to continuously reevaluate and improve the program.
3. Conduct a gap analysis to determine what gaps exist between your current processes and the certification requirements.
4. Develop a plan for improvement to reduce risk and provide teaching opportunities.
5. Implement actions by documenting and communicating changes. Make sure teams are up to speed on new updates, and monitor for compliance.
6. Report findings from monitoring process improvements. Have documentation that proves compliance.
7. Conduct an internal audit to cross-verify that staff are aware of and implementing all documented activity.