45th Medical Group nails accreditation inspection Published Feb. 3, 2012 By Senior Master Sgt. James Green 45th Medical Support Squadron PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 45th Medical Group has nailed its annual inspection from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The AAAHC is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1979. It is the preeminent leader in developing standards to advance and promote patient safety, quality and value for ambulatory health care through peer-based accreditation processes, education and research. An AAAHC team Jan. 25-27 surveyed the 45th Medical Group on more than 400 core and 300 adjunct criteria, including close examination of the pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, family health, dental and mental health clinics, flight medicine and the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC). Four AAAHC surveyors completed interviews, medical record reviews and in-depth tours and inspections to evaluate our quality of care, patient safety and infection control processes. Last year, 45 MDG had nine writeups during its accreditation inspection. This year's inspection resulted only in one or two minor write-ups. The official report will come in approximately 45 days. "The survey team chairman, Mr. Jerome Short, stated that in his 15 years of inspecting, 45 MDG was one, if not the best, he has seen to date," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th Space Wing commander. "Congratulations to Colonel Bowden and her Mighty Medics! Very well done." The Medical Group commander agrees. "The entire team stated that they would be more than comfortable to have any of their family members treated by our phenomenal staff," said Col. Allison Bowden, 45 MDG commander. AAAHC currently accredits more than 5,000 organizations in a wide variety of ambulatory health care settings, including ambulatory and surgery centers, community health centers, medical and dental group practices, medical home, and managed care organizations, as well as Indian and student health centers. It is also the official accrediting organization for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard.