CHICAGO — The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has launched the new 'Find a Hospital' search tool, a consumer-friendly online resource designed to help patients and their families identify hospitals that have earned ACS accreditation or verification for providing high-quality surgical care.
Each year, approximately 15 million patients in the United States undergo surgery. The new tool empowers these individuals to make informed decisions by connecting them to hospitals that have demonstrated a commitment to excellence through a rigorous, independent review process. Users can search for hospitals by location and filter results based on specific ACS Quality Programs, including cancer, trauma, children’s surgery, geriatric surgery, vascular surgery, and bariatric surgery, among others.
“A diagnosis that requires surgery can be an overwhelming experience for any patient. Our goal is to provide a trusted resource that reduces anxiety and empowers individuals to take an active role in their health journey,” said ACS Executive Director & CEO Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS. “The Find a Hospital tool is a direct extension of our 112-year mission to set the highest standards for surgical care and connect patients with that high-quality care.”
ACS Quality Programs are built on rigorous standards developed by national experts and grounded in the latest scientific evidence. Hospitals that participate undergo meticulous evaluation, including on-site reviews, to verify that their structures, processes, and clinical care protocols meet these stringent requirements.
“In surgery, where the stakes are incredibly high, not all hospitals are the same. This tool helps patients differentiate between facilities based on objective quality metrics and a rigorous evaluation,” said Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, Senior Vice President, Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care.
The Find a Hospital tool features:
Map-Based Search: A visual interface to easily locate hospitals near you or loved ones.
Program Filtering: Ability to search for hospitals verified or accredited in specific surgical specialties.
Program Information: Explanations of what each ACS Quality Program designation means for patient care.
“Whether a patient is facing a common procedure or a complex operation, choosing a hospital that has established strong quality processes can significantly impact their outcome and experience. This tool makes that critical information accessible to everyone.”Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS
The tool complements the existing ACS Find a Surgeon tool, which helps patients locate surgeons who are Fellows of the ACS (FACS) — board-certified surgeons who have met specific standards for education, training, and ethical conduct.
The Find a Hospital page also includes patient resources to help guide surgical patients and their loved ones through every step of the surgical process.
The new Find a Hospital search tool is available now on the ACS website.
(Newswise/HG)