This article provides basic information on the ABA’s Verification process.
What is Burn Center Verification?
Burn Center verification provides a true mark of distinction for a burn center. Verification is an indicator to government, third-party payers, patients, families, and accreditation organizations that the center provides high-quality patient care to burn patients from the time of injury through rehabilitation.
In order to become verified, your burn center must meet the verification criteria set forth by the ABA. The process of becoming a Verified Burn Center can take up to a year.
ABA Burn Center Verification Process
The steps to begin the verification process are as follows:
Application
Start by completing the verification application on the members website.
This process involves updating your roster, providing information for site visit scheduling, and completing the Application Signature page.
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed and approved by ABA staff and you will be notified that your invoice has been created and you will need to pay the verification fee.
It is imperative that your blackout dates are accurate. Rescheduling your site visit will result in a $1000 rescheduling fee.
PRQ Completion
Following application approval, the Pre-Review Questionnaire (PRQ) will be created in the Burn Care Quality Platform (BCQP) and you will need to complete it. This process may take several months; it is important that ample time is allotted to complete it. The PRQ must be completed and submitted 8 weeks in advance of the verification review.
Site Visit Scheduling
Approximately five months before the desired timeframe for the visit, the burn center will be contacted by the Verification Coordinator to schedule the visit. The Verification Coordinator will confirm the date and time, as well as the reviewers when available. The reviewers include two physician reviewers (onsite), a therapy reviewer, and a nursing reviewer (both virtual).
Site Visit Logistics
In the two months leading up to the site visit, it is the burn center’s responsibility to coordinate logistics with the reviewers. It is the burn center’s responsibility to arrange and pay for any ground transportation, meals, and lodging ahead of time.
Site Visit
The site review happens over a span of two days. Typically, the site review begins around noon of day one and concludes around noon of day two. A sample agenda can be found on the ABA website.
Post-site Visit Wrap-up
At the conclusion of the site review, the reviewers will enter key findings into BCQP. The burn center is expected to complete the Meetings and Rounds section in BCQP as soon as possible after the site visit.
Verification Notification
Within eight weeks the burn center director and verification coordinator will receive the determination of their verification review. If verification is obtained, the burn center will receive a plaque from the ABA within 8 weeks of receiving the determination.