Download - Medical Fitness Facility Certification
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Medical Fitness Facility Certification
Overview: Since 2008 there has been a mechanism
in place for fitness facilities to benchmark programs
and services against standards and guidelines
developed specifically for medically integrated
facilities. The Medical Fitness Association’s (MFA)
Medical Fitness Facility Certification defines
standards of quality and safety. One of the primary
goals of the certification is to elicit trust and
confidence within the healthcare system, and the
community, for the fitness industry.
Industry Standards and Guidelines Assist a Facility in Achieving the Highest Level of Recognition in the Community
How can facility owners and managers achieve
certification success and market the program
successfully to the community? In this overview,
we will examine the opportunities relative to facility
certification, the development challenges, important
tips for success, and expectations to grow revenue
as a result of meeting medical fitness industry
standards.
March 2011Cary Wing, EdD – [email protected]
Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc
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The Opportunity
Opportunity: Achieving facility certification demonstrates a
fitness facility’s commitment to ongoing review and
improvement of the facility’s services and programs, and to
developing a continuum of care within the community. The
Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2011 identified
clinical integration/medical fitness as 18th on the Top 20 list.
Integrating the medical fitness model in a fitness facility
may be just the catalyst needed to improve business
results and build team support for the organization.
Medical Fitness Facility Certification Can Attract More Members Generating Revenue and Program Growth
According to MFA, “If you’re up against facilities that
say they do the same things you do, MFA certification
can make a difference. It demonstrates that your
facility meets the highest standards in the industry.
It’s also the ‘stamp of approval’ that tells people they
can have confidence in your facility.”
March 2011Cary Wing, EdD – [email protected]
Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc
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The Challenges
The Challenges: There are more than 24 standards
outlined in the MFA certification manual, with
applicable guidelines to achieve each standard.
Several standards are required:
A facility must provide easily accessible automatic
external defibrillators (AEDs)
A facility must have medical oversight
A facility must have a written emergency response
plan
Hopefully, a facility already has these standards in
place, but, if not, they must be implemented in
conjunction with other guidelines.
The Path to Successful Certification Requires Completion of a Comprehensive Checklist and Onsite Review
Does the facility have regularly scheduled staff
meetings? Does the facility provide programs and
services that address the needs and interests of its
users? Does the facility comply with all building codes
and ADA and OSHA laws? Engaging outside
resources to review a facility’s strengths and
weaknesses can reduce the time required to complete
a successful application.
March 2011Cary Wing, EdD – [email protected]
Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc
Cary Wing, EdD – [email protected] Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 4
Important Tips
Tips: All aspects of medical fitness facility certification
involve the entire staff. Engaging everyone in the
application process and checklist review will ensure
success in achieving certification, and at the same
time will build team loyalty and trust.
The entire team working together can review safety
policies and procedures; design disease management
and prevention programs; and determine the most
efficient process to measure outcomes.
Engaging the Entire Staff in the Facility Certification Process Provides Educational and Team Building Opportunities
Enlisting the aid of a company experienced in team
building, review and training of instructors, and
development of onsite technology to enhance services
can save valuable time preparing for certification. A
company that understands the marketplace, and the
resource tools that are available, can provide online
management support, marketing materials, consulting
services, and solutions for success.
March 2011
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Conclusions
Recap: When adhering to a set of standards and
guidelines developed specifically for the fitness
industry, a fitness facility can instill confidence in
the community, broadening the membership base.
Mangers, directors, and staff can measure
performance and achieve standards of excellence.
Explore the opportunities and options of medical
fitness facility certification. Make a commitment to
provide safe, effective, and relevant programs that
are recognized throughout the fitness industry.
A Facility Can Provide a Level of Service That Attracts New Members and Engages the Healthcare Community
Become a certified facility and expand your
marketing potential. Position your facility to play
an integral role in improving the health of your
community. It’s good for business.
March 2011Cary Wing, EdD – [email protected]
Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc
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About Us
About Us: Fitmarc serves hundred of fitness
facilities and thousands of fitness professionals
through the delivery of programs, solutions,
consulting and education. Our team of experts can
deliver real world answers to your facility’s biggest
challenges.
Looking to improve operating results at your fitness facility? We can help.
To Learn More:
Visit our website at www.fitmarc.com
Follow Fitmarc on Twitter
Like Fitmarc on Facebook
Call Fitmarc at 800-814-1207
I am here to be your resource and help you
achieve greater success. As the Director of
Business Development for Medical Fitness for
Fitmarc, I have years of experience working in the
medical fitness industry, developing the medical
fitness model, and uniting fitness and healthcare.
Let’s connect so that I can be a resource and
partner for you and your organization.
March 2011Cary Wing, EdD – [email protected]
Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc