Accreditation is largely a voluntary process through which an organization is able to measure the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized standards. The accreditation process involves self-assessment by the organization, as well as a thorough review by the accreditation organization’s surveyors. It is this self-analysis, peer review and consultation that ultimately helps an organization improve its patient care and services.

The accreditation certificate is a symbol that an organization is committed to providing high-quality health care and that it has demonstrated that commitment by measuring up to national standards. Accreditation is a signal of confidence to the community and gives organizations a marketing edge over its competitors. In addition, accreditation may satisfy certain regulatory requirements for licensure or certification, facilitates third-party reimbursement and insurance premium reduction. For ambulatory surgery centers, accreditation may also be a means of earning Medicare ‘deemed status’ by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).