Atrial fibrillation (a-fib) has become recognized as a cardiac health concern that in some cases can lead to stroke and possible death. SCPC is fulfilling its mission to reduce cardiac-related deaths by giving facilities the opportunity to improve their processes and outcomes for these patients through A-fib Certification.

Why must facilities have CPC accreditation first?

Accreditation refers to the process of awarding a status to an organization, program or institution that meets or exceeds stated criteria of quality performance. SCPC grants Chest Pain Center (CPC) Accreditation to healthcare facilities that meet or exceed the criteria stated in the accreditation tool. SCPC-accredited facilities have demonstrated a high level of care for their cardiac patients by having the full spectrum of cardiac care processes in place for CPC Accreditation and have had a successful site review conducted by SCPC's Accreditation Review Specialists.

Why certification rather than accreditation?

Certification refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics within an organization. The set of processes for assessing, treating, and managing a-fib patients is viewed as a component of a facility that has already earned the distinction of CPC Accreditation. The A-fib Certification process will be streamlined, and a site review will not be required.

Are there any additional requirements?

In the 12 months preceding the application for certification, the facility must perform a minimum of 50 onsite catheter-based ablation procedures for any arrhythmia on any cardiac anatomic site and with any technology. Also, each principal operator must be a physician specifically trained in invasive cardiac electrophysiologic studies (EPS) and must perform a minimum of 30 catheter-based ablation procedures in the 12 months preceding the application.