ACHC Accreditation: An Overview

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, accreditation organizations play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety. One such organization that has been gaining recognition and trust in the medical community is the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC)

ACHC is a non-profit healthcare accrediting organization based in the United States. It stands as an alternative to the Joint Commission and the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP). ACHC’s mission is crystal clear: to deliver the best possible accreditation experience to healthcare facilities.

Creating Accreditation Programs with You in Mind

ACHC’s accreditation and certification programs are crafted in consultation with industry experts to ensure relevance, value, and integrity. They are tailored to meet the unique needs of healthcare facilities. Since organizations have the option of pursuing an accreditation or a certification, it is important to understand the difference between the two.

The process of getting accredited involves an independent third-party validation of a healthcare organization’s holistic policies, processes, and care delivery against recognized standards for quality and safety. In contrast, ACHC Certification focuses on a specific program within a healthcare organization, measured against recognized standards for specialty care.

A versatile selection of certifications, including Joint Replacement, Lithotripsy, Stroke, and Wound Care, are available through ACHC. Furthermore, healthcare facilities have the opportunity to pursue accreditation in diverse settings, such as Acute Care Hospitals, Ambulatory Care, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Critical Access Hospitals, Office-Based Surgery, and more.

What Sets ACHC Apart?

Accreditation Commission for Health Care stands has a reputation for outstanding customer service and a collaborative survey approach that aims to be informative and relevant. The organization prides itself on its quality of services and operational efficiencies.

ACHC’s History

ACHC’s journey began in 1986 when it was first incorporated under the name “North Carolina Accreditation Commission for In-Home Aide Services” (NCACIAS). Over the years, it evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the healthcare industry. In 2015, ACHC expanded its reach internationally to Canada, Australia, and the Middle East, and in 2020, it merged with HFAP, aligning itself with America’s original healthcare accreditation program.

The Accreditation Process

The accreditation process follows a three-year cycle, allowing organizations to learn best practices and improve their services. It begins with the organization submitting its policies and procedures in a Preliminary Evidence Report (PER). ACHC surveyors review this report and provide necessary feedback. After 3-7 months, an unannounced survey occurs, and any required changes are addressed in a Plan of Correction (PoC). If the PoC is accepted, the organization becomes fully accredited.

ACHC’s Joint Replacement Certification

ACHC offers a Joint Replacement Certification recognized by BCBS Blue Distinction for both inpatient and outpatient programs. This certification reassures patients and drives patient recruitment for joint surgery. For ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), there are options like Advanced Joint Replacement and Advanced Joint Replacement with Distinction. Hospitals can opt for Advanced Joint Replacement, Advanced Joint Replacement with Distinction, and Comprehensive Joint Replacement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ACHC’s commitment to quality, safety, and collaboration in healthcare accreditation sets it apart as a trusted organization. While ACHC’s Joint Replacement Certification is a valuable option for hospitals and ASCs, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of your organization and explore all the accreditation possibilities available.