ASC’s  (ambulatory surgery centers)  owners may utilize  Zoom when under inspection by the Joint Commission. As a response to Covid, The Joint Commission has approved the introduction of Zoom surveyors as part of regulated ASC inspections. 

As stated in their report, Conducting Hybrid Surveys Via Technology for Deemed Hospitals During the Public Health Emergency, a team member from the commission may  “remotely review patient records, documents, and perhaps even human resources and credentialing files while the remaining members of the survey team are onsite.”

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The Joint Commission ambulatory survey is a health inspection that happens once every three years. Basically, a team of inspectors visits health facilities and grades them for things like climate control, infection control, fire code adherence, and good human resources. 

As a result of Covid lockdowns, many inspections have been happening on Zoom. Approximately 4000 healthcare facility inspections occurred remotely.  Surveyors used screen-sharing technology to access patients’ medical records, death notices, patient grievances, and other relevant data. 

Read about tips to prepare for the Joint Commission audit. 

The JC now offers its technologically advanced “hybrid” survey options for health facility managers who have fully electronic health records. During the inspection, an onsite team will examine current patient records with one of your medical staff members. Meanwhile, a remotely located inspector will access past customer data, using Zoom screenshare function.

The surveyors want to know all the in’s and out’s of your ASC management.  To help them in advance, you should be ready to provide many health records and policies for their viewing.

• death records
• autopsies
• blood transfusions
• infection control plan and evaluation
• contracts
• patient complaints 
• pharmacy sterile compounding room reports

To prepare for the visit, the Joint Commission advises getting your customer lists in order. Also, practice using the screen share function on Zoom. Designate a surgery center staff member to be the liaison with the remote health officer.

Do you have any questions about preparing for your first ASC audit by the Joint Commission? The Joint Commission website has useful tips and resources for download.

For questions about renovations needed to bring your ASC to government standards, give us a call. Our team of medical construction experts will get the job done quickly at a level of perfection you won’t see anywhere else. Call for your consultation today.