ANNOUNCEMENT: CMS is validating AO survey quality through direct observation. CMS contractors will accompany ACHC Surveyors for review of selected organizations seeking Medicare certification (excluding DME and home infusion therapy). The survey will be conducted normally. CMS is observing our process. Contact your Account Advisor with questions.

PROGRAMS

Critical Access
Hospital Accreditation

You’re the heart of your community
in times of need.

Top-Notch Service and Support is Our Promise to You.

Discover what makes our process different.

Our goal is simple: straightforward collaboration with you that helps your hospital meet its potential.  Through a dedicated Account Advisor, smooth experience, and easy access to education, we’ll work together to raise the bar on hospital care in your community.

As a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), you provide a vital resource. By improving access to healthcare, you enable your community to live safer, healthier lives.

ACHC is here to support and educate you and your staff regarding the requirements specific to the CAH designation. We are your partner in broadening healthcare accessibility and affordability for your patients and their families.

Let us help you meet CMS requirements and ensure Medicare reimbursement.

Critical Access Hospital designation is a meaningful way to remain accessible to your patients as a hospital in an area of limited resources. Whether you are an Acute Care Hospital (ACH) looking to transition to CAH status, or an existing CAH seeking a partner in quality improvement, we are here to help.

Get clear standards with cost-effective solutions.

We know that your road to improvement is much smoother when you have a holistic understanding of each requirement. At ACHC, we collaborate with industry experts, not only to establish standards but also to build a clear process and access to educational resources. We provide published criteria for assessing compliance and you will have a dedicated expert to help you along the way. We succeed when you succeed. This means ACHC acts as your partner in creating a cost-effective, one-stop solution for accreditation of your hospital and ancillary facilities and programs including laboratories, sleep labs, pharmacy, DME, ASCs, and more.

Why ACHC for Critical Access Hospitals?

  • Accountability

    Our policies, procedures, and standards are based on the CMS Conditions of Participation, and are designed to help you maintain compliance while focusing on improving patient care and environmental safety.

  • Risk management

    Accreditation with ACHC means maximizing value while minimizing risk.

  • Regulatory requirements

    We present regulatory requirements for providers within a framework of quality improvement.

  • Long-standing accreditor

    Our program, previously known as HFAP, was the nation’s first to accredit hospitals and has been reviewing the quality of inpatient settings since 1945.

  • CMS deeming authority

    We are a founder in our space and have had CMS deeming authority since 1965.

  • Collaborative and dedicated

    Our approach to surveys is collaborative and educational, with outstanding customer service from a dedicated Account Advisor.

  • Clear, concise resources

    We provide clear standards with a deeper dive into their meaning and intent that includes published criteria for assessing compliance.

  • Holistic and cost-effective

    ACHC is your cost-effective, one-stop accreditation solution for your hospital and any ancillary facilities (laboratories, pharmacy, ASCs, DME, etc.).

  • Special certifications

    We offer certification of specialty programs within your hospital, including Stroke, Joint Replacement, and Wound Care.

The surveyors were thorough and educational in their approach. It was the best overall team that our facility has ever had.

— Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

Transitioning to ACHC is Simple. As It Should Be.

Get Back to Patient Care.

Ready to transition your accreditation to ACHC? We’ll make it easy. Learn more about how to make it happen and contact us to start the simple transition process.

Keep Compliant.
Renew Your Accreditation.

Is your renewal date looming? Start the renewal process now. Your dedicated Account Advisor can help guide you through renewal and customize your accreditation to suit your unique services.

Start your accreditation preparation now and access the resources of ACHCU.

The ACHC world is broad and full of ideas. Check out our blog to discover what’s top of mind.

Review of the most frequently-cited deficiencies on recent surveys with quotes from Surveyors and tips for compliance.

Get Accredited.

Ready to get started? Contact us to begin your Critical Access Hospital Accreditation process today.