The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized Methodist Hospital’s Endoscopy Center at Internal Medicine Associates (IMA) in Merrillville, Indiana as part of its program dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. The Methodist Hospitals Endoscopy Center is one of about 400 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009. 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.
“We are honored to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy center,” said Dr. Daniel Hurwich, a Gastroenterologist at Methodist Hospital’s Endoscopy Center. “Through ongoing education and continued compliance with the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program requirements, we demonstrate our dedication to the delivery of high-quality patient care.”
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, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands 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, the certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period. For a full list of program benefits, log on to www.asge.org.
“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 Glenn Eisen, 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.”
Methodist Hospitals Endoscopy Center is located at Internal Medicine Associates at 8895 Broadway, Pavilion E, in Merrillville, IN, 46410. The Center at IMA, a partnership between Methodist Hospitals and Internal Medicine Associates (IMA), offers patients the latest in endoscopy technology and equipment and a patient-focused experience. To contact the IMA Endoscopy Center call 219-736-4662.
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 continually 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.”