McConnell's clinic receives accreditation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Colby L. Hardin
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell's medical clinic recently completed its fifth Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care inspection, lasting from April 7 to April 10.

The AAAHC organization was established in 1979 and is designed to verify that medical clinics provide safe, quality, and affordable care.

The examiners spoke to patients and staff throughout the clinic, reviewed self-inspection checklists, and observed various procedures as part of the inspection. McConnell's military treatment facility was found to be compliant and operating at a high level, and therefore was awarded certification.

"We want our patients to feel that this is their Medical Home and it is a place where we don't just care for them, but care about them too," said Col. Russell Boester, 22nd Medical Group Deputy Commander. "Our tanker medics are committed to providing a Medical Home for our beneficiaries that delivers high quality care with good value in a safe environment. They will suggest areas where they think improvement can be made and they validate where we are doing things right."

Receipt of this accreditation demonstrates to their beneficiaries that patient feedback is valued and every effort is made to provide the best care possible for their patients.

"They review all areas to make sure we're doing the best for our patients, whether it's protecting against fraud, waste and abuse, or giving the patient the right medication," said Tresa Friesen, 22nd Medical Group budget analyst. "We are here to take care of our patients to the highest degree possible."

Both civilian and military clinics seek to achieve AAAHC certification.

"The way our military treatment facility keeps our accreditation is to make sure that we are doing everything right all the time," said Friesen. "We have guidelines that we follow, whether it is an Air Force Instruction or the Accreditation handbook for Ambulatory Healthcare."