The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has recognized 10 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. 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. To date, 134 endoscopy units have been recognized by ASGE.
"ASGE is delighted to be recognizing these 10 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."
An important component of the program is an educational course that thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Honorees attended either the "Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit" course held in Oak Brook, Ill., in October 2008, or the course held in Las Vegas, Nev., in February 2009.
Upon completion of the program, units receive an ASGE "Certificate of Recognition" for promoting quality in endoscopy. This symbol can be displayed to let patients and referring physicians know that the endoscopy unit is dedicated to delivering high-quality endoscopic care and has received specialized training around these principles.
New ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program Honorees
Midwest Physician Surgery Center, Lees Summit, MO
Franklin Endoscopy Center, Franklin, TN
Lebanon Endoscopy Center, LLC, Lebanon, TN
Strand GI Endoscopy Center, Myrtle Beach, SC
Tacoma Digestive Disease Center/Tacoma Endoscopy Center, Tacoma, WA
Endoscopy Center Of Southwest Virginia, Roanoke, VA
Middlesex Endoscopy Center, Middletown, CT
Stanford Endoscopy Unit, Stanford, CA
Kettering Medical Center, Miamisburg, OH
Digestive Health Center, Wake Forest, Winston Salem, NC
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