[Accreditation for ambulatory health care in the USA].

In the United States of America, accreditation relevant to ambulatory health care provided by physicians relates to several levels in the health care system: to the managed care organizations setting the frame for the care provided, the ambulatory care organizations (e.g., ambulatory surgery centers, group practices), and--for some time--individual physicians. Several accrediting organizations play a role in accreditation in ambulatory care. The functions of accreditation, the accreditation procedures as well as important areas addressed by the standards are described, and possible suggestions for respective methods of external quality assurance in Germany are reflected on.