ATHENS,
Ohio -- (March 3, 2000) 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 Barbara Ross-Lee, DO,
Dean of the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
"We're pleased and proud to be the first and only health care organization
in Athens County to have achieved accreditation by the Accreditation
Association for Ambulatory Health Care," said Dr. Ross-Lee. "We believe
accreditation is extremely important and has helped us to enhance 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, at Doctors Hospital of Nelsonville and the
Public Square in Nelsonville, and in Coolville. Comprehensive care is
provided to 100,000 area residents each year. More than 60 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, ear, nose and
throat, surgery, internal medicine, 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.
