Blue Bell Surgery Center Receives AAAHC Accreditation

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania - December 2, 2009 - Blue Bell Surgery Center has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to its patients.

Status as an accredited organization means Blue Bell Surgery Center has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. More than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

"We believe our patients deserve the best,” stated Vicki Edelman, Administrator of Blue Bell Surgery Center. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest care possible.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors – volunteer physicians, nurses, and administrators whoa re actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help and organization improve its care and services.

"Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to our patients and the quality of care we provide,” said Edelman.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis- where an overnight stay would not be required. Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers, and managed care organizations.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association), founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 4,500 organizations accredited nationwide. The AAAHC accredits a variety of ambulatory health care organizations, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers, college student health centers, military health care clinics, and large medical and dental practices. The Accreditation Association serves as an advocate for the provision of high-quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.