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

41 Units Renewed Their Recognition

OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 28, 2012 /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 41 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 400 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

Digestive Disease Center of Central New York, LLC, Liverpool, NY
GI Services THC, Stamford, CT
Cardiology Consultants of Westchester, PC, Hartsdale, NY
UHS Binghamton General Hospital GI Lab, Binghamton, NY
UHS Wilson General Hospital GI Lab, Johnson City, NY
Capital Health Hopewell Endoscopy Unit, Pennington, NJ
Endoscopy Center at Ridge Plaza, LP dba Endoscopy Center at Med Point, McAllen, TX
Mesquite Surgery Center, Tucson, AZ

Endoscopy units granted three-year renewal

Carolina Endoscopy Center – Monroe, Monroe, NC
Endoscopy Center at Bainbridge, Chagrin Falls, OH
Digestive Health Institute Endoscopy Unit University Hospitals CMC, Cleveland, OH
Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
Pennsylvania Gastroenterology Consultants/Digestive Disease Disorders, Camp Hill, PA
Meadowview Regional Medical Center, Endoscopy Department, Maysville, KY
Glen Endoscopy Center, LLC, Glenview, IL
Midwest Endoscopy Center, Naperville, IL 
Pinehurst Medical Clinic Endoscopy Center, Pinehurst, NC
Strand GI Endoscopy Center, Myrtle Beach, SC
Brandywine Valley Endoscopy Center, Downington, PA
Community Surgery Center, Munster, IN
The Endoscopy Center of West Central Ohio, LLC, Lima, OH
Medical Center Endoscopy, LLP, Houston, TX
Rockford Gastroenterology Associates, Rockford, IL
Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, Santa Cruz, CA
Tri-Cities Endoscopy dba The Center for Digestive Wellness, Kingsport, TN
Carroll County Digestive Disease Center, Westminster, MD
Long Island Digestive Disease Consultants, PC, East Setauket, NY
Baylor Ambulatory Endoscopy Center, Plano, TX
Bucks County GI Endoscopic Surgical Center, Levittown, PA
Carolina Digestive Endoscopy Center, Charlotte, NC
Bay Area Houston Endoscopy, Webster, TX
Sansum Clinic, Santa Barbara, CA
Colorado Endoscopy Center, LLC, Longmont, CO
Gateway Endoscopy Center, St. Louis, MO
Ft. Worth Endoscopy Center, Ft. Worth, TX
Southwest Fort Worth Endoscopy Center, Ft. Worth, TX
Gastroenterology Associates, PA, Hickory, NC
New York GI Center, LLC, Bronx, NY
Palo Alto Medical Foundation – Mountain View SurgiCenter, Mountain View, CA
Gastroenterology Group of Rochester, LLP, Rochester, NY
Charlotte Surgery Center, Port Charlotte, FL
Wichita Falls Endoscopy Center, Wichita Falls, TX
Meridian Surgery Center, LLC, Meridian, MS
Alliance Endoscopy Center, Metairie, LA
Robertson Surgical Center, LLC, Beverly Hills, CA
Kips Bay Endoscopy Center, LLC, New York, NY
Endo Surgi Center, PA, Union, NJ
Endo Surgi Center of Old Bridge, LLC, Old Bridge, NJ
Lincoln Endoscopy Center, LLC, Lincoln, NE

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 2013 on February 8 in San Francisco, Calif. 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