Small medical centres using little known specialist accreditors

When medical tourism speaks of accreditation, JCI and other multinational agencies are usually mentioned. But many small centres across the globe are turning to smaller and cheaper alternatives.

The vast majority of ambulatory surgery facilities in the world are unaccredited, operating independent of any peer review and inspection process. AAAASFI and AAAHC are now filling that gap.

The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) is the largest not-for-profit accrediting organization in the United States. More than 2000 ambulatory surgery facilities are accredited by AAAASF. AAAASF conducts an accreditation program that certifies that an accredited facility meets nationally recognized standards.

Until 2009, AAAASF limited itself to the USA. It expanded into countries where the majority of medical tourists are Americans requiring outpatient treatment. This may be very attractive to small hospitals and clinics for which international accreditation by JCI or others is not cost-effective compared to the volume of Americans treated.

American Association for Accreditation for Ambulatory Surgery Facilities International (AAAASFI) has developed a global programme to inspect and accredit surgery and dental clinics that exceed superior standards. All accredited clinics must pass inspection of all practice standards in the following categories: general environment and safety, operating room environment, policies and procedures, recovery room environment, blood and medications, medical records, quality assessment, personnel and anesthesia.

Fees are based on how many specialists work in the surgical facility. Facilities must be in 100% compliance with all standards and practices during and after the accreditation process. Once paperwork is complete and floor plan approved, AAAASFI can usually secure an inspector to evaluate a facility within 30 days.

AAAASFI now has members in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland, Greece, Guatemala, Lebanon, Mexico, Serbia, South Africa, Switzerland and the West Indies.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, accredits 5000 US organizations in a wide variety of ambulatory health care settings, including ambulatory and office based surgery centers, managed care organizations, as well as Indian and student health centers. The accreditation process involves self-assessment by the organization, as well as a thorough review by expert surveyors.

AAAHC began expanding internationally with Costa Rica, and last year expanded into Peru. AAAHC plans to expand to other countries in South and Central America have been slower than expected, with resources concentrated on the USA; but it expects to speed up the international side soon.