355th Medical Group receives accreditation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 355th Medical Group received accreditation for the next three years after being reviewed by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care here Oct. 26-28.

The AAAHC is a private, non-profit organization formed to assist ambulatory health care organizations improve the quality of care provided to patients.

More than 800 areas of the 355th MDG were reviewed and inspected. As a result, they received the highest possible accreditation of three years. This means they won't be inspected for accreditation until 2014.

"Being accredited shows the community that we provide great care," said Ms. Katherine Roberts, 355th MDG quality and risk manager. "We try so hard for customer service and getting accredited means so much."

Achieving accreditation is like getting a stamp of approval.

"It sends the message to our patients that we are equal to civilian facilities," said Dr. William Crooks, 355th MDG patient safety program manager. "It's a way to confirm that we're meeting the same health care standards of civilian facilities."

Not only does accreditation mean that the care provided is top notch, it also helps ease the worries of patients.

"It gives the patients confidence in knowing they're receiving the best care available," said Master Sgt. Elka Sanchez, 355th MDG patient advocate. "It helps give them peace of mind."