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DOWNER'S GROVE, Ill., Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has recognized 18 endoscopy units in the first half of 2016 as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. In that same time period, ASGE also renewed the recognition for 18 units previously honored. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program (EURP) honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program's rigorous criteria.  These include following the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscopic reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring endoscopy staff competency. To date, more than 500 endoscopy units have been recognized by ASGE.

"We are proud to acknowledge these endoscopy units for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality," said Glenn Eisen, MD, FASGE, Chair, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. "By ensuring infection control principles are adhered to, the competency of staff is continually assessed, and patient satisfaction is monitored, ASGE-recognized units address the cornerstones that inspire the public's confidence in endoscopy, a life-saving technology."

To be recognized by ASGE, a unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality indicators, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention. The program is applicable to all settings in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands where endoscopy is practiced, including office-based endoscopy units, hospital-based endoscopy units, and stand-alone ambulatory endoscopy or surgery centers.

An important component of the program is an educational course entitled, "Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit," which thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Upon completion of the program, successful applicants are awarded ASGE's Certificate of Recognition of Quality in Endoscopy. The certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period. For a full list of program benefits, log on to www.asge.org

New ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program Honorees

Baylor Regional Medical Center of Grapevine Endoscopy Lab, Grapevine, TX
Bethesda Butler TriHealth Hospital, Hamilton, OH
Clark Regional Medical Center Winchester, KY
Cooper Digestive Health Institute of Willingboro, Willingboro, NJ
Ertan Digestive Disease Center Houston, TX
Gastroenterology, LTD-Colon Cancer Prevention and Endoscopy Center of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital Baytown, TX
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Gastroenterology Lab, Lake Charles, LA
Mayo Clinic Endoscopy Unit, Scottsdale, AZ
Mayo Clinic Hospital Endoscopy Unit, Phoenix, AZ
Physicians Regional Medical Center, Naples, FL
Saint Anne's Hospital Endoscopy Center of Excellence, Fall River, MA
Sharp Grossmont Hospital La Mesa, CA
TriHealth Endoscopy Bethesda North, Cincinnati, OH
TriHealth Endoscopy Center North, Cincinnati, OH
TriHealth Evendale Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
TriHealth Good Samaritan Endoscopy Department, Cincinnati, OH
TriHealth Surgery Center West Cincinnati, OH

Renewed
Capital Health-Hopewell Endoscopy Unit, Pennington, NJ
Carlisle Endoscopy Center, LTD, Carlisle, PA
Digestive Disease Center of Central New York, Liverpool, NY
Hoag Endoscopy Center, Newport Beach, CA
Lebanon Endoscopy Center, Lebanon, TN
Louisville Endoscopy Center, Louisville, KY
Meadowview Regional Medical Center, Maysville, KY
Midlands Endoscopy Center, Irmo, SC
Newport Beach Orange Coast Endoscopy Center, Newport Beach, CA
North Shore University Hospital Endoscopy Unit, Manhasset, NY
St. John Providence-Macomb Center, Warren, MI
St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Endoscopy Department, Murphysboro, IL
Stony Brook Medicine Endoscopy Unit Stony Brook, NY
Susquehanna Endoscopy Center, Montoursville, PA
The Northern Nevada ASC LLC dba Digestive Health Center, Reno, NV
Twin Forks Gastroenterology and Hepatology, P.C., Hampton Bays, NY
University of Missouri Digestive Health Center, Columbia, MO
University of Missouri Hospital Endoscopy Center, Columbia, MO

ASGE and Quality
ASGE is the profession's leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and the training of its members so that patients receive the best and safest care possible. The Society constantly reinforces the importance of quality among its members through member communications, such as emails and newsletters, and its courses, including "Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit."

The program course is being repeated in 2016 on November 18 in Downer's Grove, Ill. To register, check the ASGE website at www.asge.org (or call 630-573-0600). A list of the full requirements and benefits of the Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program can also be found on the website.

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 14,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

About Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.

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SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy