ATHENS, Ohio -- The University Osteopathic Medical Center (UOMC) has been awarded the certificate of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC), according to John Brose, DO, dean of the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
"We're pleased and proud to have been the first and only health care organization in Southeast Ohio in 1990 to pursue accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care," said Dr. Brose. "This recent re-accreditation is extremely important to our organization. It signifies ours commitment to continuously improving the quality of care we provide. In addition, we feel strongly that our patients are the ultimate benefactors from our participation in the accreditation program." In order to achieve accreditation, the UOMC underwent an extensive on-site survey of its facilities and services. The survey team, composed of physicians and health care administrators, evaluated every aspect of patient care. The survey findings resulted in a favorable decision.
Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation and not all that undergo an on-site survey receive favorable decisions. In a letter to the UOMC, the AAAHC president said, "The dedication and effort necessary to achieve accreditation is substantial. The University Osteopathic Medical Center is to be commended for this accomplishment."
AAAHC is a private, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization. It receives professional guidance and financial support from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dental Group Practice, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, American College Health Association, American College of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Association of Freestanding Oncology Centers, Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association, Medical Group Management Association, National Association of Community Health Centers and the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society.
The UOMC represents multi-specialty, outpatient clinics located in Parks Hall on Ohio University's West Green, in the Medical Office Building at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, on Richland Avenue in Athens, in Nelsonville on Harper Street and in Coolville on Wilson Street. Comprehensive care is provided to more that 116,000 area residents each year. More than 45 faculty physicians from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine practice at the UOMC in a variety of specialties including obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics, vascular medicine, allergy, ear, nose and throat, general surgery, internal medicine, acupuncture, nephrology, pathology and osteopathic manipulative medicine. The center also offers a comprehensive array of diagnostic services such as cardiovascular imaging, cardiac stress testing, electrocardiology, fetal monitoring, Holter monitoring, laboratory, radiology and ultrasound. The medical center also provides counseling services and a variety of health screening services to the Appalachian community through a Mobile Health Van.
