Ambulatory Surgery Centers Survey Process Changes
Starting January 1, 2017, two-thirds of ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) using the Medicare-deemed option may receive adjustments to their Joint Commission survey team structure and survey length. The Joint Commission is doing this as part of an effort to better align with CMS surveyor guidelines. Onsite survey fees for qualifying ASCs will be adjusted to reflect the number of surveyors on site and the length of the survey. The goals of this are to:
- Give surveyors more time for a thorough evaluation of the clinical component of ASC Medicare-deemed surveys.
- Give surveyors time to cover and complete both Joint Commission and CMS requirements, patient tracers, review medical records and credentialing files, and CMS-required worksheets.
- Share of leading practices with ASCs and produce a more meaningful, educational and consultative experience.
- Create a survey team that has two clinical surveyors (in majority of survey events) who are able to work together in real-time to maintain consistency of interpretation.
- Better prepare ASCs for their CMS state survey.
The Life Safety Code (LSC) component of the survey will remain unchanged (one surveyor for one day) unless circumstances call for additional time.
Organizations with questions on the changes are asked to speak with their account executive.