By Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Regulatory agencies and accrediting organizations place heavy emphasis on infection prevention and control in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). These bodies expect ASCs to treat patient safety, survey readiness, and compliance as constant priorities, and the margin for error is slim.
For many surgery centers, partnering with an experienced infection control consultant is the most effective and efficient way to stay on top of and meet infection control and prevention requirements, reduce risks, and create a safer environment for patients and staff alike.
Common ASC Infection Control Challenges
Despite ASCs operating differently than hospitals, their infection prevention requirements are no less rigorous. ASCs are expected to pay close attention to every step of the patient journey, from preop through surgery through discharge, to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, doing so can be difficult. Common infection control challenges facing today's ASCs include:
Survey preparation and compliance: CMS, AAAHC, Joint Commission, QUAD A, ACHC, and state health departments all maintain strict infection control standards. Keeping up with the breadth of requirements and their ongoing challenges can be a full-time job in itself.
Resource limitations: Given that most ASCs operate with lean staffing models, infection prevention and control responsibilities are often added to clinical or administrative roles. This can makes it difficult for those tasked with these responsibilities to devote the necessary time, focus, and expertise to ensuring their ASCs are meeting requirements and staying survey ready.
Sterile processing: Proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments is one of the highest-risk areas for ASC survey deficiencies.
Antimicrobial stewardship: Prescribing and usage practices are increasingly scrutinized, requiring ASCs to establish programs that align with national standards.
Written plans and risk assessments: Facilities must not only have comprehensive infection prevention plans in place, but they must also demonstrate that those plans are tailored to their unique environment and consistently followed and updated, when necessary.
When any of these areas fall short, ASCs face consequences ranging from costly citations to reputational damage. In some instances, shortcomings can even lead to operations being suspended.
How an Infection Control Consultant Supports ASCs
A certified infection control (CIC) consultant brings specialized expertise to help ASCs meet regulatory expectations and improve patient outcomes. At Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS), for example, our team tailors solutions to the needs of each surgery center. Services typically delivered to our ASC clients include one or more of:
Survey preparation: On-site assessments that identify potential deficiencies before a surveyor does, complete with actionable recommendations.
Risk assessments: Facility-wide reviews of practices, policies, and environments to pinpoint vulnerabilities.
Plan development and updates: Customized infection prevention and control programs, OSHA bloodborne pathogen and TB exposure control plans, and antimicrobial stewardship programs designed to meet ASC-specific requirements.
Education and training: Targeted education and training sessions for staff at all levels, better ensuring infection prevention protocols are understood and consistently applied.
Onboarding and mentoring: Guidance for new infection preventionists or staff tasked with ASC infection control responsibilities.
Plan of correction support: Assistance with developing and implementing corrective action plans following survey deficiencies.
Sterile processing guidance: Direct observation and feedback to ensure best practices are consistently maintained.
Outbreak investigations: Expertise in root cause analysis and corrective measures for surgical site infections (SSIs) or other infection-related events.
Each of these services is designed not only to address compliance but also to foster a stronger culture of safety and accountability within the ASC.
Why Partner With ICCS
The ICCS team has over 40 years of experience in infection prevention and control, serving healthcare facilities, including ambulatory surgery centers, nationwide. Several members of our consulting team hold the FAPIC credential, a recognition awarded by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology to leaders in the field.
Working with ICCS gives ASCs more than an individual consultant. It provides access to a team-based approach supported by peer collaboration, ongoing education, and a depth of experience across multiple ASC and other facility types. This means your surgery center benefits from proven strategies and insights refined over decades of practice.
The Value and ROI of Partnering With Infection Prevention Consultants
Engaging an ASC infection control consulting firm may feel like an added expense, but in reality, it is a cost-saving strategy. Consider the alternatives:
A full-time infection preventionist may be cost-prohibitive, and turnover can disrupt continuity.
A survey citation or regulatory fine can far exceed the investment in infection prevention consulting services.
Outbreaks, SSIs, or lapses in sterile processing not only affect patient safety but can also damage the ASC’s reputation and financial viability.
By contrast, a consulting partnership offers flexibility and consistency. Whether through a one-time assessment, ongoing support, or hybrid arrangement, ASCs gain immediate access to seasoned professionals who strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
ASC Infection Control Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Surgery centers exist to provide patients with safe, efficient surgical care outside of the hospital setting. To do that successfully, infection prevention cannot be a secondary responsibility. It must be treated as a priority. A partnership with an ASC infection control consulting firm like ICCS ensures your ASC has the people, expertise, and resources necessary to meet requirements and maintain ongoing compliance, protect patients and personnel, and instill confidence in both staff and surveyors.
Let ICCS Help Strengthen Your ASC’s Infection Prevention Program
ICCS has supported ambulatory surgery centers across the United States with infection prevention services tailored to their unique needs. From survey readiness to sterile processing guidance and antimicrobial stewardship, our consultants bring the expertise and stability today's ASCs require.
If your surgery center is looking to strengthen its infection control program, relieve the burden on staff, and better ensure short- and long-term compliance, ICCS is here to help. I invite you to contact us today for a complimentary consultation to discuss how our team can support your ASC’s infection prevention and control goals.