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.”



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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.



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.



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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.



http://www.fitmarc.com/

http://twitter.com/Fitmarc

medical fitness facility certification

Health & Medicine