The Institute for Medical Quality (IMQ) in San Francisco has been approved as a national accrediting organization for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) that participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs.
IMQ accredits 122 organizations in eight states. IMQ’s Ambulatory Accreditation program accredits ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery practices, endoscopy centers, medical groups, oral and maxillofacial surgery/dental practices, pain management centers, urgent care centers, and women’s health centers. IMQ also has programs for the accreditation of healthcare delivered in California correctional facilities and accreditation of continuing medical education providers.
IMQ said that it understands the unique attributes of ambulatory care settings because most of the surveyors are actively practicing physicians. IMQ says that its peer-to-peer methodology increases the value of the accreditation process because IMQ surveyors understand how an ASC’s regulatory compliance activities directly impact patient outcomes.
“Our physician surveyors are highly experienced in systems that promote optimal patient care,” said Neal Shorstein, MD, chair of ambulatory accreditation programs.
In January 1996, the California Medical Association launched IMQ, a not-for-profit subsidiary to help improve the quality of care delivered to patients in California. The organization now accredits organizations inside and outside of California. IMQ emphasizes education, counseling, and direct involvement of practicing physicians. Its mission is to improve the quality of care provided to patients through a range of educational, accreditation, consultation, and certification programs. Some, but not all, IMQ programs involve surveys of facilities and medical practices. IMQ is a 501(c)3 corporation overseen by a board of directors of academic and community physicians and business leaders.
For more information about IMQ’s approval, contact Victoria Samper at [email protected]
