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Ambulatory
surgery facilities strive to provide safe, efficient, and high quality care.
However, problems may arise occasionally in even the best of facilities. Often
consumers do not know who to contact when there is a problem with the care that
they or a family member received. If you experience a problem, you should
consider discussing the issue with the ambulatory surgery facility manager or
your physician. Keep a written record of the issue and who you talked with at
the facility.
In addition, if you have concerns about your health care or treatment, you have
the right to make a formal complaint to the Office of Health Care Quality
(OHCQ), an agency in the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. You
can first call OHCQ and then send any supporting documentation including:
* The name of the health care facility;
* Your name and mailing address so that OHCQ can send you a written report of
their investigation;
* Your daytime phone number, in case they have further questions about your
situation; and
* A clear, concise explanation of your concern or the problem, including the
dates and times of specific occurrences.
Note: You may make an anonymous complaint; but OHCQ won't be able to
send you a written report of the investigation.
You may also download the Complaint Report Form by clicking on
www.dhmh.state.md.us/ohcq/complaint/complaint.htm.
Submit your complaint to the appropriate licensing unit at:
Office of Health Care Quality
Spring Grove Hospital Center
Bland Bryant Building
55 Wade Avenue
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
For further information or to submit your complaint by phone, call 410-402-8000
Toll-free 877-402-8218.
Additional Options
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) will also
investigate complaints about a facility that AAAHC has accredited. You can find
a list of accredited facilities and the procedures to file a complaint by
clicking on www.aaahc.org. You may also
contact AAAHC by telephone at 1-847-853-6060.
If Medicare paid for your ambulatory surgery, you can file a complaint with the
Medicare Program. Contact information can be found at
www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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