ASGE Recognizes 19 Endoscopy Units For Quality And Safety As Part Of Its Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program

35 Units Renewed Their Recognition

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has recognized 19 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 35 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

Carlisle Endoscopy Center, Ltd., Roanoke, VA
Carnegie Hill Endoscopy Center, LLC, New York, NY
Endo-Surgical Center of Florida, Orlando, FL
Englewood Endoscopic Associates, Englewood, NJ
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre, PA
GI Consultants, Carson Endoscopy Center, Carson City, NV
Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, Riverside, CA
Kalispell Regional Medical Center Office Endoscopy Suite, Kalispell, MT
Ministry Saint Michael's Hospital, Stevens Point, WI
Mobile Infirmary Medical Center G.I. Lab, Mobile, AL
Montgomery Endoscopy Center, Silver Spring, MD
Presbyterian Gastroenterology - Rio Rancho, Rio Rancho, NM
Presbyterian Gastroenterology - Downtown, Albuquerque, NM
St. John Providence Health System Macomb Endoscopy Center, Warren, MI
Summit Medical Group Ambulatory Surgery Center, Berkley Heights, NJ
Sutter Roseville Endoscopy Center, Roseville, CA
The Endoscopy Center of Asheville Gastroenterology Associates, P.A., Asheville, NC
The Northern Nevada ASC, LLC dba Digestive Health Center, Reno, NV
Three Rivers Medical Center Endoscopy Unit, Louisa, KY

Endoscopy units granted three-year renewal

Carolina Mountain Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center, Hendersonville, NC
Case Point Health Bayonne Medical Center, Bayonne, NJ
Digestive Health and Endoscopy Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Eastside Endoscopy Center, St. Clair Shores, MI
Endoscopy Center of Columbus, LLC, Columbus, GA
Endoscopy Center of Southwest Virginia, Roanoke, VA
Essentia Health, Fargo, ND
Fayetteville Gastroenterology Associates, PA, Fayetteville, NC
Gainesville Endoscopy Center, LLC, Gainesville, GA
Gastrointestinal and Liver Specialists of Tidewater, PLLC dba Gastroenterology Consultants, Virginia Beach, VA
Geisinger Medical Center Gastroenterology - Endoscopy Department, Danville, PA
GI Consultants, Reno Endoscopy Center, Reno, NV
GI Consultants, South Meadows Endoscopy Center, Reno, NV
Highland Endoscopy Center, Rochester, NY
Indiana Endoscopy Center - Main, Indianapolis, IN
Indiana Endoscopy Center - Fishers, Fishers, IN
Indiana Endoscopy Center - Avon, Avon, IN
Lakeland Surgical and Diagnostic Center, Lakeland, FL
Louisville Endoscopy Center, Louisville, KY
Mid Peninsula Endoscopy Center, San Mateo, CA
Mountain View Endoscopy Center, Mountain View, CA
Odessa Endoscopy Center, Odessa, TX
Pacific Endoscopy Services dba Atherton Endoscopy Center, Atherton, CA
Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT
Salem Endoscopy Center, Salem, OR
Salem Gastroenterology Associates, PA dba Salem Endoscopy Center, Winston-Salem, NC
Southwest Endoscopy, Ltd., Albuquerque, NM
Susquehanna Endoscopy Center, Montoursville, PA
The Endoscopy Center, Encinitas, CA
Trinity Mother Frances Endoscopy Center, Tyler, TX
Tri-State Gastroenterology, Crestview Hills, KY
UCSD GI Endoscopy Center - Hillcrest, San Diego, CA
UCSD GI Endoscopy Center - Thornton Hospital, San Diego, CA
Unity Endoscopy Center, Rochester, NY
Wellbrook Endoscopy Center, PC, Conyers, GA

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 this year on September 19 in Las Vegas and November 15 in Downers Grove, Ill., at ASGE's Institute for Training and Technology. In 2014, the course will be held on February 21 in Washington, DC. 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