ASGE Recognizes Eight Endoscopy Units For Quality And Safety As Part Of Its Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program

24 Units Renewed Their Recognition

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has recognized eight endoscopy units as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. ASGE renewed the recognition for 24 units previously honored. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program's rigorous criteria which includes following the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring endoscopy staff competency. To date, more than 450 endoscopy units have been recognized by ASGE.

"We are proud to acknowledge these endoscopy units through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality," said Jonathan Cohen, MD, FASGE, chair, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. "By ensuring infection control principles are adhered to, continually assessing the competency of staff, and monitoring patient satisfaction, ASGE-recognized units contribute to the public's confidence in endoscopy, a life-saving technology."

About the Program
To be recognized by ASGE, a unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality indicators, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention. The program is applicable to all settings in the United States and Puerto Rico where endoscopy is practiced, including office-based endoscopy units, hospital-based endoscopy units, and stand-alone ambulatory endoscopy or surgery centers. An important component of the program is an educational course entitled, "Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit," that thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Upon completion of the program, successful applicants are awarded ASGE's Certificate of Recognition of Quality in Endoscopy. The certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period. For a full list of program benefits, log on to www.asge.org.

New ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program Honorees

Avista Endoscopy Suites, Louisville, CO
Endoscopy Center at Central Park, Bedford, TX
Endoscopy Center at Redbird Square, Dallas, TX
Humble Kingwood Endoscopy Center, Humble, TX
North Richland Hills Endoscopy Center, North Richland Hills, TX
Old Town Endoscopy Center, Dallas, TX
Preston Crossing Endoscopy Center, Plano, TX
Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Hospital HEB Endoscopy & Special Procedures, Bedford, TX

Endoscopy units granted three-year renewal

Barnes Jewish Hospital GI Endoscopy Center, Saint Louis, MO
Center for Digestive Care, LLC, Ypsilanti, MI
Davis Memorial Hospital Endoscopy Center, Elkins, WV
Digestive Disease Center at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY
Digestive Health Center of Indiana, PC, Indiana, PA
Endoscopy Center at Robinwood, LLC, Hagerstown, MD
Endoscopy Center of Pensacola, Pensacola, FL
Gastrointestinal Associates Endoscopy Center, LLC, Wausau, WI
GI Associates & Endoscopy Center, Jackson, MS
GI Associates & Endoscopy Center, Madison, MS
GI Associates & Endoscopy Center, Vicksburg, MS
Jacksonville Center for Endoscopy - Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Center for Endoscopy - Barrs Street, Jacksonville, FL
Lebanon Endoscopy Center, Lebanon, TN
Long Island Center for Digestive Health, Garden City, NY
Midlands Endoscopy Center, LLC, Irmo, SC
Northern GI Endoscopy, Glens Falls, NY
ProHEALTH Care Associates, Lake Success, NY
Rhawn Street Endoscopy, Philadelphia, PA
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, East Brunswick, NJ
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Endoscopy Unit, Santa Barbara, CA
The Cape & Islands Endoscopy Center, LLC, Hyannis, MA
The Surgery Center at Benbrook, Butler, PA
Wilmington Gastroenterology Associates, PA, Wilmington, NC

ASGE and Quality
ASGE is the profession's leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and the training of its members so that patients receive the best and safest care possible. The Society constantly reinforces the importance of quality among its members through member communications, such as emails and newsletters, and its courses, including "Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit."

The program course is being repeated in 2014 on February 21 in Washington, DC, on May 2 in Nashville and on September 18 in Las Vegas. To register, check the ASGE website at www.asge.org (or call 630-573-0600). A list of the full requirements and benefits of the Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program can also be found on the website.

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

About Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.

Media Contact: Anne Brownsey
(630) 570-5635
[email protected]

SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy