ASC Podcast Features Credentialing, Accreditation, Compliance, and Training Insights From MedTrainer

Credentialing for ASCs

In the first episode of the ASC Podcast series, MedTrainer Chief People Officer Ted Gottis discusses the confusion that often surrounds the credentialing process. Gottis says having a standard credentialing process will help you meet deadlines and manage a transition in credentialing staff. This process should be documented with policies and procedures to provide ASCs with the framework needed to support the integrity of their processes and ensure that each provider is legally and professionally qualified to provide specific services and procedures. A digital credentialing solution standardizes workflows and ensures all documents and communication are included in a comprehensive provider profile.

Download a free guide: Speed Up Your Credentialing Process With Digital Credentialing.

This episode of the ASC Podcast also reviews primary source verification and the benefits of primary source equivalents to verify qualifications such as education, residency, licensure, peer reviews and background checks as well as common red flags that may require further explanation and documentation. Gottis also dispels myths surrounding temporary privileges.

Listen to this episode in your browser.

ASC Accreditation

Tamar Glaser, MedTrainer vice president of accreditation compliance, breaks down accreditation processes for ASCs in the second episode of the ASC Podcast series. Drawing from her extensive knowledge as an active surveyor for QUAD A, Glaser lays out the difference between a CMS and accreditation survey, the steps to take for reaccreditation, who needs to prepare for surveys in an ASC and how organizations can always be prepared for inspection.

Download the Guide to ASC Accreditation & Licensing.

All ASCs are required to be certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and approved to enter into a written agreement. Requirements beyond that are up to each individual state.

In this podcast, Glaser offers best practices for ASCs to follow when choosing an accrediting agency. She also discusses the types of documentation that an ASC should have prepared before a surveyor arrives, including policies and procedures, daily logs, infection control tracking, employee files, credentialing files and quality improvement studies.

Listen to this episode in your browser.

Online Learning for ASC Compliance

The series concludes with MedTrainer CEO Steve Gallion explaining the benefits of online learning for ASCs and what to expect when using a learning management system, such as MedTrainer.

In addition to the training required by regulatory agencies, such as CMS, OSHA, and OCR, accrediting bodies also require very specific learning requirements. Using a learning management system that keeps these courses fresh and easy-to-find is critical for a successful ASC training program. Training and continuing education courses can help to manage gaps that occur when personnel leave or new hires are brought onboard. By creating role-specific and location-specific curriculums, an admin can ensure every staff member is up-to-date on annual mandatory training. Hybrid modules can be created to reduce the time constraints on training that requires a practical skills assessment, such as Basic Life Support. In these cases, the instructional portion can be completed online with the skills assessment offered onsite at regularly scheduled intervals.

MedTrainer courses allow providers and employees to complete their training at times convenient to their individual schedules. The instructional design includes a forced learning model that prevents users from skipping around at their leisure. The courses provide small, manageable segments with comprehension checks that promote learning engagement and verify understanding. The system also stores and manages documentation of MedTrainer course as well as those completed elsewhere.

Listen to this episode in your browser.