Why Accredited Surgery Centers Are the Safest Choice

When you’re planning cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, choosing the right surgeon is critical, but the facility where your procedure takes place is just as important.

The Chesnut Institute of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (CICRS) is a state-of-the-art accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC) specializing in facial and skin procedures.

Accreditation is not just a label. It’s proof that a surgical center meets strict national standards for patient safety, surgical outcomes, and infection control.

Here’s why choosing an accredited ASC can give you the safest experience possible.

What Is an Accredited Surgery Center?

An accredited surgery center must pass rigorous evaluations for:

• Operating room safety and equipment
• Sterilization and infection control
• Surgeon and staff credentials
• Emergency readiness and response planning
• Compliance with national and state regulations

In contrast, minor procedures performed in clinic settings do not have to meet these standards, which means patients may be exposed to greater risk.

The Proven Benefits of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Extensive research and mandatory reporting confirm that accredited ambulatory surgery centers consistently achieve:

• Extremely low complication rates
• The lowest infection rates among all surgical settings
• Superior patient outcomes

At Clinic 5C and CICRS, patients benefit from both board-certified surgeons and the safeguards of an accredited environment, which is a combination that consistently delivers exceptional safety and results.

Exceeding Accreditation Requirements

While accreditation requires every ASC to maintain ACLS-certified staff, emergency equipment, infection controls, and governing oversight, CICRS goes above and beyond.

For example, we typically have four to five providers on site certified in both Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). This far exceeding baseline requirements.

Other safeguards include:

• Comprehensive pharmaceutical protocols
• On-site lab and radiology services
• Strict patient rights and documentation procedures
• Ongoing staff credentialing and quality improvement projects

Accredited by Medicare and AAAHC

CICRS is accredited by both Medicare and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

This dual recognition means:

• Only board-certified surgeons perform procedures
• Registered nurses and surgical techs trained to recognize early signs of distress are always present
• The facility adheres to OSHA standards and local/state building and sanitation codes

Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring

Whenever possible, procedures are performed under local anesthesia, further reducing risks.

For surgeries requiring sedation or general anesthesia, care is provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist.

Advanced monitoring is standard for every patient, ensuring the highest safety during surgery and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I receiving two billing statements?
The ASC bills for the facility portion of your procedure, while the surgeon’s professional fees are billed separately — often at a reduced rate compared to clinic settings.

Why was my procedure performed in an ASC?
For sensitive areas like the face and eyelids, the advantages of an ASC (lower infection risk, fewer complications, and superior outcomes) are especially important.

Does insurance cover ASC procedures?
Yes. Most insurance plans recognize the cost savings of ASCs compared to hospitals. Coverage, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan.

The Takeaway

When it comes to your safety, not all surgical settings are equal.

An accredited ambulatory surgery center like CICRS offers the highest standards of infection control, emergency readiness, and surgical expertise.

Patients benefit from superior outcomes, lower complication rates, and greater peace of mind.

If you’re considering cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, choosing an accredited ASC is the best step you can take for your safety.

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