6th MDG upcoming inspection; seeking participants for survey Published Dec. 29, 2011 6th Medical Group MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Upcoming Healthcare Accreditation Inspection It is an exciting time to be a part of the 6th Medical Group. Each day, we have the distinct honor of delivering a wide range of health care services to our approximately 35,000 enrolled active duty, active duty family members, coalition partners, and retirees. We also provide support to an additional 75,000 members who are eligible to use our pharmacy and other ancillary services. Feb. 1-3, we have an opportunity to display our passionate and committed team of health care providers to the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). It is time to shine! The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) is a private, non-pofit organization formed in 1979. It is the preeminent leader in developing standards to advance and promote patient safety, quality and value for ambulatory health care through peer-based accreditation processes, education and research. Accreditation is awarded to organizations that are found to be in compliance with the Accreditation Association standards. AAAHC currently accredits more than 5,000 organizations in a wide variety of ambulatory health care settings, including ambulatory and surgery centers, community health centers, medical and dental group practices, medical home, and managed care organizations. Accreditation is a voluntary process through which the inspected organization is able to measure the quality of services and performance against nationally-recognized standards. The accreditation process involves self-assessment by the organization, as well as a thorough review by the AAAHC surveyors, who themselves have extensive experience in the ambulatory health care environment. The AAAHC accreditation certificate is a symbol that an organization is committed to providing high-quality health care and that it has demonstrated that commitment by going above and beyond the nationally-recognized standards. Excellence and quality are not philosophies we pull out just for inspectors. The 6 MDG is comprised of active duty, civilians and contractors who pride themselves on being true professionals and above all, keeping our patients' health needs at the center of every decision. The word "inspection" can occasionally bring a negative connotation, but we see it as an opportunity. It is an opportunity to show off our culture that wholly embraces safety, quality, and process improvement. Additionally, we view it as an opportunity to improve through self-discovery and consultation from nationally recognized experts. Inspection or no inspection, here is the bottom line. There is not a day that goes by that someone in your Medical Group is not striving to ensure you have the best patient experience possible. Clinic undergoes special survey The AAAHC will conduct an accreditation special survey of the 6th MDG Feb. 1-3, 2012. The purpose of the survey will be to evaluate the 6 MDG's compliance with AAAHC standards for ambulatory health care. Through an emphasis on education and consultation, the ultimate purpose of the accreditation process is to improve the quality of health care delivered. The 6th Medical Group has voluntarily requested this survey as a means of assisting its own efforts to improve the delivery of quality health care. Members of the general public, patients and individuals on the staff of this organization, believing that they have pertinent and valid information about this organization's provision of health care or compliance with AAAHC standards, may request an information presentation with AAAHC surveyors at the time of the survey for the purpose of presenting such information, or communicate such information in writing or by telephone to the AAAHC. All information received from identified individuals at or prior to the survey will be considered in making the accreditation decision. The information presented will not be debated with the reporting individual. Requests for presentation must be received at least two weeks prior to the survey in order to allow sufficient time to schedule the presentations. Requests for public information presentations or reporting of pertinent and valid information may be communicated in writing or by telephone to AAAHC at the following address and telephone number: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 200 Skokie, IL 60077 Phone: (847) 853-6060 Fax: (847) 853-9028