Participation Process

The Vascular Verification Program offers three levels of participation. Two levels for inpatient hospitals: Comprehensive Inpatient and Verified Inpatient; and one level for outpatient centers: Verified Outpatient. All are built on a foundation of quality metrics in program, facility, and service resources, as well as data collection and quality improvement activities, with many standards shared across all levels.

Inpatient

Comprehensive Inpatient

Focuses on hospitals performing the highest-level and most complex vascular surgeries and procedures, with the inclusion of both open and endovascular modalities. Hospitals are also expected to engage in educational and outreach activities in the field of vascular care, as well as have a robust and active program of research and scholarly activities.

Verified Inpatient

Focuses on hospitals performing vascular surgery and procedures across the primary scope of care, including both open and endovascular procedures. Hospitals will be expected to demonstrate a robust clinical care program with a focus on quality care and improvement within their scope of practice.

Outpatient

Verified Outpatient

Focuses on sites performing minimally invasive vascular care, including peripheral arterial, AV access, and venous procedures. Sites will be expected to demonstrate a robust clinical care program with a focus on quality care and improvement within their scope of practice.

Site Visit Preparation

Sites interested in participating in any level of the Vascular Verification Program are encouraged to review the standards specific to the inpatient program or the outpatient program and contact the ACS Vascular-VP team to discuss the program in relation to the individual center’s goals. Sites will be encouraged to gather their key team members and stakeholders under the leadership of the Vascular Program Medical Director in order to facilitate a thorough pre-review and site visit process.

Site Visit Structure

All levels include a site visit comprised of 2 half-day sessions. Meetings are scheduled with the Vascular Program Medical Director, Vascular Program staff, C-suite/leadership, frontline physicians, and multidisciplinary providers engaged in the Vascular Program, including anesthesia, nursing, and allied health services. A chart review session is also included in the visit agenda.

Required Documentation

All levels are required to complete and submit a Pre-Review Questionnaire (PRQ) addressing content and questions associated with the standards at the level selected. Patient charts with associated quality review documentation will also need to be prepared for the reviewers.

Preparation Timeline

For all levels, it is recommended to apply 6–12 months prior to the anticipated site visit.