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UMass Amherst University Health Services (UHS) has been accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), distinguishing itself among the 11% of 2,700 college health services nationwide to have met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality ambulatory health care set by the AAAHC.

The AAAHC, a private nonprofit organization founded in 1979, accredits ambulatory health care organizations, including college student health centers, ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers and health plans, such as health maintenance and preferred provider organizations. More than 6,600 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are currently accredited by AAAHC.

Organizations seeking accreditation undergo an extensive self-assessment and onsite survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory care, also known as outpatient medical care. The survey is peer-based and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

“UHS underwent a rigorous review of our total operations during our busiest time of the year and met the challenge without skipping a beat,” says Andrew McMahon, UHS executive director.

UHS, as an AAAHC-accredited organization, embodies the ongoing commitment to high-quality care and patient safety and “1095 Strong, quality every day,” a philosophy spearheaded by the AAAHC based on the 1,095-day three-year accreditation cycle that equips ambulatory leaders with the best of what they need to operationalize quality practices. The 1,095-day period between accreditations is a critical time when ambulatory health organizations, with help from proven experts, can develop the kind of everyday habits that enable leaders in the industry to provide the utmost in quality care to their patients.

“The AAAHC philosophy, 1095 Strong, quality every day, emphasizes quality practices and readiness. University Health Services demonstrated these values during the recent survey and will continue to build our operations and culture in alignment with this philosophy,” McMahon adds.

While the onsite survey is an important component of the accreditation process, ongoing compliance and continuous improvement are part of the accreditation maintenance mindset that a facility should integrate into its daily activities long after the survey has been completed. The intent of accreditation is for organizations to adopt policies and procedures that fuel ongoing quality improvement and self-evaluation every day.

More information about AAAHC accreditation can be found on the AAAHC website.