Sharon Morrison, RN, director of clinical support for Physicians Endoscopy in Doylestown, Pa., provides four tips to help ambulatory surgery centers meet CMS survey requirements.
1. Learn from surveyors' worksheet. Use the surveyors' worksheet for infection control to make sure the center is compliant in this crucial area of the survey. Using the same tool the surveyors have is "like having the answers to the test," Ms. Morrison says. To view the infection control worksheet, click here (pdf).
2. Stay survey-ready at all times. Since surveyors arrive unannounced, it is important to always be ready for a visit. "Do not wait to get prepared," Ms. Morrison advises.
3. Perform mock surveys. Perform a mock surveys on a random basis throughout the year. Surveys can be based on the processes used by the current accrediting group. "Your survey should make sure policies are in place and the quality studies are up to date and relevant," Ms. Morrison says.
4. Submit a plan for coverage on time. Surveyors are probably going to find something wrong, which they will identify in a letter of deficiency after the site visit. The center must then submit a plan of coverage, detailing how it will address the deficiency. If surveyors cite a variety of standards or a whole condition for coverage, they will probably opt to make a follow-up visit to the center within 45 days.
Learn more about Physicians Endoscopy.
Read more from the leadership team of Physicians Endoscopy:
- 10 Recent Changes in How CMS Surveyors Deal With Surgery Centers
- Critical Metrics for Successful ASCs