501st Limited Scope Military Treatment Facilities receive AAAHC accreditation

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RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  Limited Scope Military Treatment Facilities assigned to the 501st Combat Support Wing at the 421st Air Base Squadron, RAF Menwith Hill, 422nd Air Base Group, RAF Croughton, and 423rd Air Base Group at RAF Upwood, have all achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Accreditation distinguishes the 501st CSW LSMTFs from many other outpatient facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to its patients.

Status as an accredited organization means the 501st CSW LSMTFs have met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. Almost 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

"When you see our certificates of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facilities and procedures," said Lt. Col. Bernadette Anderson, 422nd ABG director of base medical services. "It means that we as organizations care enough about our patients to strive for the highest care possible."

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors - volunteer physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

"Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to our patients and the quality of care we provide," said Lt. Col. Frederick Conner, 421st Air Base Group director of base medical services.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis - where an overnight stay would not be required. Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers, and managed care organizations.

"We believe our patients deserve the best," stated Colonel Daniel Gerke, 423rd Medical Squadron commander.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with almost 5,000 organizations accredited nationwide. AAAHC accredits a variety of ambulatory health care organizations, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers, college student health centers, military health care clinics, and large medical and dental practices. AAAHC serves as an advocate for the provision of high-quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.