January 10, 2023Healthcare Network, a nonprofit organization working to ensure primary medical care is accessible to everyone in the community, has been accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes Healthcare Network from many other outpatient facilities through its adherence to rigorous standards of care and safety.

Status as an accredited organization means Healthcare Network has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. More than 6,600 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are currently accredited by AAAHC.

“The AAAHC accreditation process is important to ensure the continued growth and success of Healthcare Network,” said President and CEO of Healthcare Network, Jamie Ulmer. “Pursuing accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care to our patients, and the same high level of quality in our business practices. I am extremely proud of the entire Healthcare Network Team for their dedication to upholding the principles of quality improvement for our patients and community.”

1095 Strong is a transformational movement and call-to action spearheaded by the AAAHC to equip ambulatory leaders with the best of what they need to operationalize quality practices. The three-year, or 1,095-day, period between accreditations is a critical time when ambulatory health organizations, with help from proven experts, can develop the kind of everyday habits that enable leaders in the industry to provide the utmost in quality care to their patients. Organizations, such as Healthcare Network that earn AAAHC Accreditation embody the 1095 Strong, quality every day philosophy, an ongoing commitment to high-quality care and patient safety.

While the onsite survey is an important component of the process, ongoing compliance and continuous improvement are part of the accreditation maintenance mindset that a facility should integrate into its daily activities long after the survey has been completed. The intent of accreditation is for organizations to adopt policies and procedures that fuel ongoing QI and self-evaluation every day

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking AAAHC Accreditation undergo an extensive self-assessment and onsite survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory care. The survey is peer-based and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

 

About Healthcare Network

Since its founding, Healthcare Network’s mission has been to provide quality healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of job, income, or insurance status. The organization has grown from two small trailers in Immokalee to a comprehensive network of providers located throughout Collier County. Primary healthcare services include family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, senior care, and pharmacy as well as dental care and integrated behavioral health for both adults and children. Additionally, the organization’s community health workers bring health and social services directly to underserved families.  For more information, visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.

 

About AAAHC

Founded in 1979, AAAHC is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation, with more than 6,600 organizations accredited. We accredit a wide range of outpatient settings, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, student health centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, employer-based health clinics, retail clinics, and Indian/Tribal health centers, among others.

AAAHC advocates for the provision of high-quality health care through the development and adoption of nationally recognized standards. We provide a valuable survey experience founded on a peer-based, educational approach to onsite review. The AAAHC Certificate of Accreditation, along with specialized programs including Advanced Orthopaedic Certification and Patient-Centered Medical Home Certification, demonstrates an organization’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality services to its patients—every day of the 1,095-day accreditation cycle. AAAHC Accreditation and Certification Programs are recognized by third-party payors, medical professional associations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies, and the public. For more information on AAAHC, please visit www.aaahc.org.