Read what Joint Commission OBS surveyor Jay Afrow, D.M.D., M.H.A., says about accreditation.
What have OBS practices told you are the benefits to being accredited?
Accreditation gives them a framework to build their practice around.
What is one myth you hear about Joint Commission OBS accreditation?
"The Joint Commission says I have to do X.” Often, physicians may think our standards are prescriptive. Actually, The Joint Commission usually says you have to develop a process or system that is appropriate for your practice. In most cases what we’re asking for is process development.
Can you give an example of how OBS accreditation is often easier to achieve than some may think?
If you look at the accreditation process as a tool and structure for developing and refining policies, practices and procedures it makes sense and seems manageable. If you look at it as a long list of requirements, it can be overwhelming.
In your opinion, how can OBS accreditation be used as a business tool by OBS practices?
Several practices have mentioned they use accreditation as an efficiency tool to refine processes, which leads to potential cost savings, a marketing edge and higher staff retention.
What do you see as the biggest difference between an accredited OBS practice and one that isn’t accredited?
In general, accredited practices seem to see the big picture and develop a long-range perspective based on refined structure. Unaccredited practices tend to focus more on the day-to-day issues due to less structure in place.
Name one reason why NY OBS practices should choose The Joint Commission.
The Joint Commission surveyors who conduct OBS surveys may also conduct ambulatory and hospital surveys—giving them a wide range of experiences which may be of help to the OBS practice. Surveyors can relay concepts and practices they have seen at larger organizations to the OBS practice and help the staff tailor these concepts to their specific need.