Whenever you anticipate medical treatment, you of course want to know what measures are being taken to assure quality care. In general, quality can be a difficult concept to define though we usually know it when we see it.

Quality medical care is a complex combination of many ingredients including:

• a primary commitment to safe and scientifically correct care
• a working partnership between patient and caregiver
• well defined care processes that protect the health of patients and caregivers
• a clear understanding of the goals of treatment between patient and caregiver
• effective communication relating to care options and financial responsibilities

Care provided by your anesthesiologist is one which requires a close coordination with the doctor performing the procedure. The combined efforts of your healthcare professionals work to assure your safety, comfort, and well-being during the entire episode of care.

Standards of Care for Office-Based Anesthesia

The system of facility certification and regulations applied to hospitals and surgical centers are not currently required in the office setting. This does not mean, however, that the healthcare community has ignored or are unconcerned about quality of care and the safety of patients in the office environment. Through the activities of various professional societies and organizations who accredit centers, a clear consensus has been built regarding the particular elements of safe, high quality care. The following is a partial list of organizations and agencies involved in setting care standards.

Professional Organizations

Governmental & Regulatory Agencies

Facility & Practice Accrediting Organizations