| Accreditation -
An evaluation process in which an objective group (accrediting body) examines a
health care organization to ensure that it is meeting certain standards that
experts in the field have determined are important. |
| Ambulatory
Surgery - Surgery that can be performed in an outpatient setting and
does not require an overnight stay in a hospital. Ambulatory surgery is general
planned ahead of time. Maybe referred to as one-day, in-and-out, or outpatient
surgery. |
| Ambulatory
Surgery Facility - Place in which ambulatory (outpatient) surgery is
performed. Some surgeries that may be performed in an ambulatory surgery
facility include eye, gynecology, ear/nose/throat, orthopedic, cosmetic, and
foot procedures. |
| American
Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAASF) -
An organization that accredits ambulatory surgery facilities. Accreditation
consists of a three-fold review that includes a site visit, a panel assessment
of site visit findings, and successful participation in a peer review/quality
assurance program. |
| Accreditation
Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) - The AAAHC is an
organization involved with ambulatory health care accreditation and serves as
an advocate for the provision and documentation of high quality health services
in ambulatory health care organizations. |
| Cardiovascular
Surgery - Surgery or procedure involving the heart or blood vessels. |
| Certification -
Approval of a provider to participate and receive payment from the Medicare
and/or Medicaid programs. In some states, a system for determining if various
individual healthcare professionals are qualified. |
| Colon and Rectal
Surgery - Surgery or procedure involving the large intestine. |
| Dermatology
Surgery - Surgery or procedure for skin related conditions. |
| Gastorenterology
- Surgery or procedure involving the digestive tract including the
stomach and intestines. |
| Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) - an independent,
not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits health care
organizations and programs in the United States including hospitals, nursing
homes, ambulatory surgery centers, and home health agencies. |
| Medicare -
A Federal insurance program providing a wide range of benefits to providers and
suppliers participating in the program. Providers, in Medicare, are patient
care institutions such as hospitals, hospices, nursing, homes, ambulatory
surgery centers, and home health agencies. Benefits are payable for most people
over age 65, Social Security beneficiaries under 65 entitled to disability
benefits, and individuals needing renal dialysis or renal transplantation. |
| Medicaid -
A State program that provides access to health care services to individuals in
the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. Medicaid will usually pay for
medications, lab tests, and nursing home services if the individual qualifies
for the program. |
| Neurology
Procedure - Surgery or procedure involving the nervous system (brain,
spinal cord, or nerves). |
| Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Surgery or procedure involving the female reproductive organs. |
| Operating Rooms
- A sterile room used specifically for surgical procedures. |
| Ophthalmology
Procedure - Surgery or procedure involving the eye. |
| Oral Surgery -
Surgery or procedure involving the mouth. |
| Orthopedic
Surgery - Surgery or procedure involving the bones and muscles. |
| Otolaryngology -
Surgery or procedure involving the ears, nose, and throat. |
| Pain Management
- Surgery, procedure, or other treatment designed to reduce pain and
help the patient achieve a reasonable quality of life and ability to function. |
| Plastic Surgery
- Surgery concerned with reducing scarring or disfigurement that may
occur as a result of accidents, birth defects, or treatment for diseases. |
| Podiatry -
Surgery or procedure to correct diseases and malformation of the foot. |
| Practicing
Specialties - The type of surgeries or procedures in which the
ambulatory care facility specializes. |
| Procedure Room -
A special room used to perform various types of procedures, including
endoscopy, cystoscopy or laser procedures. |
| Thoracic Surgery
- Surgery or procedure pertaining to the chest. |
| Urology -
Surgery or procedure involving the urinary tract including the bladder, kidney,
and prostate. |
| Vascular Surgery
- Surgery or procedures related to the blood vessels of the body. |
| Volume -
The total number of surgeries or procedures performed by the ambulatory surgery
facility. Volume is useful in that it gives an idea of the experience a
facility has in a particular surgery or procedure. Some studies have shown that
treating more cases of a certain type can lead to better outcomes, such as with
cardiac surgery. |
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