OAK BROOK, Ill. – Nov. 30, 2010 –
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized the Iowa Endoscopy Center in Clive, Iowa as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy, in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. The Iowa Endoscopy Center is one of 254 endoscopy units nationwide to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that follow the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing and CDC infection control guidelines and have completed specialized training on principles in quality and safety in endoscopy.
“We are honored to be the first endoscopy center in Iowa to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” said Dr. Ravi Vemulapalli, Medical Director for the Iowa Endoscopy Center. “The program course on improving quality and safety provided us with valuable knowledge to continue to give our patients the safest and the very best care possible.”
Upon completion of the program, units receive an ASGE “Certificate of Recognition” for promoting quality in endoscopy.
“ASGE is delighted to be recognizing these 254 endoscopy units, whose staff work hard every day to provide high-quality care to their patients in a safe environment,” said Bret T. Petersen, MD, FASGE, chairman, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. “There continues to be an outstanding response to this program. We are proud to acknowledge these ASGE members through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality.”
About the Program
To successfully complete the program and receive a Certificate of Recognition, a center must show proof of successful and current accreditation by a recognized accrediting body (AAAHC, Joint Commission); sign an attestation affirming that certain ASGE and CDC guidelines are adopted as minimum requirements of the unit policy; and have a representative of the unit complete the ASGE Recognition Course, “Improving Quality and Safety In Your Endoscopy Unit.” The Certificate of Recognition award is granted for a three-year renewable period.
The program is applicable to all settings in the United States 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 that thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Honorees attended this course, entitled “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit”.
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 CME courses, including “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit.”
The Iowa Endoscopy Center is Central Iowa’s premier out-patient facility specializing in colorectal cancer screening as well as providing a full range of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Designed with quality, safety, privacy, efficiency, and patient convenience in mind, this state of the art facility operates with a highly trained support staff of nurses and technicians to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Our goal is to provide comprehensive patient care in a comfortable setting. The Iowa Endoscopy Center is the first endoscopy center in Iowa to receive ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition honor and is accredited by the Joint Commission.(www.jointcommission.org )
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 in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with nearly 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.
Contact
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
1520 Kensington Road, Suite 202
Oak Brook, IL 60523
P (630) 573-0600
F (630) 573-0691
www.asge.org
www.screen4coloncancer.org
ASGE Media Contact
Anne Brownsey
(630) 570-5635
abrownsey@asge.org
Iowa Endoscopy Center Media Contact
Mary Syversen RN BSN CGRN
(515) 288-3342
www.IowaEndoscopyCenter.com