ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program
About the Program
ASGE is known as the profession’s leader in setting standards for excellence in endoscopy. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program promotes quality in endoscopy by encouraging endoscopy offices, centers and units to adhere to ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing, and infection control. The Certificate of Recognition award is granted for a three-year renewable period. A representative of the unit(s) applying for recognition must complete the course, “Improving Quality and Safety In Your Endoscopy Unit,” no more than one year prior to application. ASGE has recognized 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.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the program
Honorees -- List of Endoscopy Unit Recognition Recipients
Since 2008 ASGE has recognized 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.
The Application Process
Submit Application. The Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program application must be completed by the medical director of the endoscopy unit(s). The application should be completed prior to attendance of a representative to the recognition course.
Course Attendance. The single office (or practice w/ multiple units) must send a representative to “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit,” an ASGE course specifically designed to review principles of quality and safety in endoscopy, as published in the guidelines. See the course brochure for details about CME credit for this 1.5 day course.
Application Review. Once an office/unit has submitted the application and completed the program course, the ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee determines if the unit has met the requirements and will make a recommendation to the ASGE Governing Board.
Board Approval. The ASGE Governing Board makes the final determination for granting the certificate. A Certificate of Recognition and other program materials will be sent to those units awarded the honor. Certificate recipients may reapply for renewal every three years. A representative of the endoscopy unit will need to attend the course no more than one year prior to reapplication.
Program Requirements
To successfully complete the program and receive a Certificate of Recognition, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- Proof of successful and current accreditation by a recognized accrediting body (such as the AAAHC or Joint Commission). Units must remain accredited throughout the duration of the three-year “Certificate of Recognition” award.
- Attestation that the following guidelines are adopted as minimum requirements of the unit policy: LINK TO GUIDELINES FROM ASGE Website
- Completion of the ASGE Recognition Course, “Improving Quality and Safety In Your Endoscopy Unit,” by a representative of the unit.
- Submission of the application fee(s).
Benefits of Earning the Certificate of Recognition Award
An endoscopy office/unit(s) that successfully meets the program requirements will receive the following benefits:
The ASGE Certificate of Recognition of Quality in Endoscopy for each awarded office/center/unit. Rights to use the “ASGE Recognized Unit” logo on materials such as letterhead, Web sites, and endoscopy reports. Public relations campaign material templates to support your local media and marketing efforts. The public relations kit includes a press release to announce your achievement as an ASGE-recognized Unit. Patient and peer recognition through display of your certificate and the use of the program logo. Public and professional recognition on the ASGE Web site through the posting of your unit’s name on a list of Certificate of Recognition awardees. Patient brochures, Ensuring the Safety of Your Endoscopic Procedure. Access to advice from reprocessing experts. Complimentary membership in ASGE’s Ambulatory Endoscopy Center Special Interest Group (AEC SIG) for the endoscopy unit medical director for the three-year duration of the recognition award. Note: The medical director must be a member of ASGE for the AEC SIG membership to apply. After the certificate is awarded, the office/center/unit may send additional representatives to the recognition course at a 25 percent discount on tuition.
Upcoming Courses
The next quality course, “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit” is fast approaching. As the foundation for the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program, this course is designed to promote discussion and provide demonstration of methods to improve quality and safety in the endoscopy unit, and includes modules on defining and measuring quality in endoscopy, a review of ASGE quality guidelines and CDC guidelines on infection control, a hands-on portion covering reprocessing, and much more. The last quality course sold out, so don’t miss this opportunity! Register online today.
How can you get more information?
Check this page often for the latest information. Also, watch ASGE publications and brochures for further details. If you have any questions, please e-mail ASGE Quality at mespronceda@asge.org.
If endoscopy is your practice, ASGE is your partner!