The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) renewal of deemed status for ambulatory surgery centers.

The AAAHC first achieved Medicare Deemed Status on Dec. 19, 1996. AAAHC's current term of deemed status will continue through Dec. 20, 2012. ASCs accredited after undergoing the AAAHC/Medicare Deemed Status survey demonstrate to CMS that their standards meet or exceed those mandated for participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

In response to recent changes in CMS requirements, the AAAHC revised some of its accreditation polices and standards. These changes immediately affect ASCs that are seeking to be included in, or that are presently included in, the AAAHC/Medicare Deemed Status program. Visit here to view those changes.