When to Look for the DNR on Your Medical Cleaning Company
Is your medical cleaning company providing professional, effective medical office cleaning services?
Or has the quality of service been in decline or completely flat lined?
Or perhaps even worse—there was never the level of service you were hoping for and you’ve been forced to settle for less than optimal service?
Effective medical cleaning is critical to any healthcare provider from both the standpoint of patient health and your overall reputation.
A clean facility also helps retain top medical talent and can directly impact your HCAHPS scores.
There are numerous commercial cleaning companies that WILL clean your facility, but far fewer that CAN truly deliver the level of cleaning YOU need.
Ask yourself: Are patient rooms thoroughly cleaned? Are medical offices tidy and well maintained? Are restrooms in a condition you would personally use?
If the answer is no, it may be time to pay attention to the DNR sign on your medical office cleaning company .
How Healthcare Cleaning Differs From Other Cleaning
Cleaning a medical facility and cleaning a general office share very few similarities—and rightfully so.
Facilities that provide health services require a full understanding of what “cleaning for health” truly means.
Healthcare cleaning also comes with stringent regulations and compliance requirements that must be carefully followed.
Without a janitorial service deeply familiar with these needs, both your facility's cleanliness and HCAHPS score may suffer.
Commercial cleaning companies that are properly prepared should provide training programs such as OSHA, HIPAA, and Bloodborne Pathogens.
Any company lacking this training is not equipped to give your medical office the cleaning it requires.
Telltale Signs Your Cleaning Company May Be DOA
Many industries have cleaning companies that simply cannot meet facility needs—but in healthcare, the consequences are more serious.
A medical office cleaning company MUST deliver consistent, responsive and complete medical cleaning.
Inexperience or a lack of commitment undermines every benefit of outsourcing your medical cleaning.
- Missing programs that ensure quality service
- Lack of understanding of complex compliance codes
- Inability to attract and retain high-quality labor
- Failure to offer required training for safety and cleanliness
- Unclear pricing that makes it hard to compare services or manage budgets
Many janitorial companies even gamble with your facility’s health and reputation by skipping proper systems, subcontracting illegally or using undocumented labor.
What a Medical Cleaning Service Should Look Like
We've looked at what subpar companies do—now here’s what a successful professional medical cleaning company has in common:
- Professionally trained staff and strong ability to attract quality workers
- A lower-than-average janitorial turnover rate
- Clear and transparent pricing plans
- Facility walkthroughs and customized cleaning plans
- Strong compliance knowledge for your specific medical environment
- A systematic and thorough quality assurance program
- Rapid, professional response systems for issues
- Full awareness of business practices and regulations before work begins
You know you have a best medical office cleaning company when they meet these requirements—and then go above and beyond.
How to Find a Healthcare Cleaning Company That Gets It
Medical cleaning companies that offer top-level, efficient and cost-effective service are rare—so how do you find the right one?
The answer: industry certification.
The ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association) provides the industry’s most respected certification—CIMS (Certified Industry Management Standard).
CIMS-certified companies consistently demonstrate expertise, reliability and adherence to industry best practices.
Certification indicates a company that is more professional, better trained and more familiar with the needs of healthcare facilities—from clinics to surgical centers.
To get the most value from CIMS, create a list of certified companies in your area and research the best candidates.
Once you’ve narrowed your list, invite them to walk your facility and evaluate which partner can deliver the most consistent, high-quality service at the best price.
To find an ISSA CIMS-GB contractor in your area, visit: ISSA CIMS Directory.
