Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia Receives 2nd Award of Accreditation from the Joint Commission
March 3, 2014 – Jesup, GA – The Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia (BJISG) Jesup Surgery Center has earned its second consecutive seal of accreditation. The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ was awarded to BJI for demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and patient safety in January. The first seal of accreditation was awarded in April 2011. The awards recognize the practice for their continued dedication and outstanding service in orthopedic care.
“Organizations that strive for accreditation in ambulatory care from The Joint Commission are demonstrating the highest commitment to quality and safety to their patients, staff and their community,” says Michael Kulczycki, executive director, Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. “I commend The Bone & Joint Institute for successfully achieving this pinnacle and for its dedication to continually improving patient care.”
Since 1975, The Joint Commission has developed state-of-the-art standards for outpatient ambulatory care organizations. Approximately 1,900 of the nearly 6,000 freestanding ambulatory care organizations in the US maintain Joint Commission accreditation.
The Joint Commission accreditation process is carried out every three years. The non-profit organization is known to have the highest standards in regard to medical accreditation, and through inspections they identify medical practices that exemplify exceptional healthcare. In an effort to continue improving overall health standards for the public and inspire medical providers to practice the best patient care and safety possible, The Joint Commission is constantly expanding and adapting their state-of-the-art standards.
Beginning on January 15th an unannounced, on-site survey was conducted at BJI’s Surgery Center in Jesup. The care, treatment, and overall service of surgical patients was thoroughly tracked and evaluated. Other procedures assessed by the Joint Commission include key operational systems, infection prevention, leadership, and medication management.
“Being awarded The Joint Commission Gold Seal is an honor. The accreditation process can be rigorous, but something that we strive to accomplish in order to provide the best for our patients,” said J. Lex Kenerly, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon. “Our staff does their utmost to epitomize the highest standards in healthcare services and safety.”
Among the many positive comments made about the Surgical Center during the exit interview were that BJI “has a quality facility, with quality people, and quality care,” and “of all the centers I have seen, this is one of the best.”
“Hearing such positive comments about our practice isn’t a surprise, but it is so rewarding for our dedicated staff and doctors to be recognized for providing quality orthopaedic care to the communities of South Georgia,” said Cynthia Dewitt, RN, BSN Nurse Manager.
The Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia provides comprehensive orthopaedic care, and features the Joint Commission accredited Surgery Center in Jesup, with digital surgical suites designed exclusively for orthopaedic surgeries, and on-site x-ray services. Both the Jesup and Waycross locations house the only open MRIs in the area, each awarded with accreditation from the American College of Radiology. Doctors J. Lex Kenerly, J. Matthew Valosen, and Christopher E. Swanson offer the finest orthopaedic care. Based in Jesup, BJI serves 13 Southeast Georgia counties, and has satellite offices in Baxley, Hinesville, and Waycross.