The University of Wyoming Student Health Service has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

“Accreditation distinguishes this student health service from many other outpatient facilities by providing the highest quality of care to its patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation,” says Joanne Steane, UW Student Health Service director.

Status as an accredited organization means the UW Student Health Service has met nationally recognized standards for providing quality health care set by AAAHC. More than 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all that undergo the rigorous on-site survey process are granted accreditation.

“We believe our patients deserve the best,” Steane says. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means we, as an organization, care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”

Ambulatory health care organizations that seek accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors -- physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, and presents 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 strive to continuously improve the quality of care we provide,” says Steane.

The UW Student Health Service has provided care to students since 1928, moving into the present facility on Prexy’s Pasture in 1961. It is staffed by four physicians, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, all of whom are board certified in their specialty.  All medical staff members provide high-quality, comprehensive primary health care and education to UW students. Additional services include a full-service pharmacy and laboratory.

Founded in 1979, AAAH accredits more than 5,000 organizations nationwide, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers, student health centers, military health care clinics and large medical and dental practices. AAAHC advocates for the provision of high-quality health care through its nationally recognized standards, and through its survey and accreditation programs.

This story provided by The University of Wyoming.

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