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Certification for Surgery Centers

Achieve a higher level of recognition for your specialty orthopaedic care

Accreditation demonstrates an organization-wide commitment to ongoing quality improvement. Certification is a three-year specialty program that is focused on patient outcomes and built on accreditation requirements. Compliance with the AAAHC Standards for advanced orthopaedic certification demonstrates use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, ongoing performance improvement strategies, and infrastructure that promotes excellence. Through an onsite survey with a clinical surveyor experienced in the ambulatory orthopaedic setting, this program focuses on transitions of care from patient pre-assessment through discharge and rehabilitation.

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Build on your AAAHC accreditation

Advanced Orthopaedic Certification (AOC) is available to organizations that perform total joint replacements and/or spine procedures. Organizations can choose from two types of advanced certification, total joint or complex spine, or pursue a combined certification that addresses both services. Participation requires that the organization has AAAHC accreditation in addition to:

  • A dedicated core team of clinicians with education and expertise in orthopaedics
  • Staff who have or are working toward orthopaedic certification credentials
  • Performance measures that are collected and submitted to a nationally recognized specialty registry

The Advanced Orthopaedic Certification program assesses an organization’s use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, ongoing performance improvement strategies, and an organizational infrastructure that promotes excellence. Through an onsite survey conducted by clinical surveyors experienced in the ambulatory orthopaedic setting, this program provides a comprehensive focus on transitions of care from pre-assessment through discharge and rehabilitation. AAAHC created the program with feedback and insight from an expert panel comprised of orthopaedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, orthopaedic nurses, physical therapists, quality experts, and payers.

Continuous Assessment and Self Attestation

An annual “Continuous Assessment and Self Attestation” form must be completed by the survey anniversary date each year. This activity supports the organization with continuous measurement of compliance with current versions of the handbook. The attestation offers no bearing on an organization’s certification status.

Advanced Orthopaedic Certification program overview

Download our AOC overview

Download the AOC whitepaper

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Achieving Accreditation

Strengthen your accreditation readiness

Achieving Accreditation is an interactive, immersive event designed to help you learn and prepare for your AAAHC survey while developing a deeper understanding of AAAHC Standards. We are facing the future together…1095 Strong!

Learn more about Achieving Accreditation

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Kershner Quality Improvement Award

Check out exemplary studies

Kershner QI Awards recognize excellence in quality improvement methodology and outcomes for AAAHC-accredited organizations in both the surgical/procedural and primary care space.

Learn more about QI innovation