Penobscot Community Health Care Achieves AAAHC Accreditation
PCHC has achieved national accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes this medical practice by providing the highest quality of care to its patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.
Status as an accredited organization means Penobscot Community Health Care has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. More than 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous on-site survey process are granted accreditation.
“We believe our patients deserve the best,” stated Kenneth Schmidt, MPA, President and CEO of PCHC. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our practices and procedures. It means we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”
Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.
“Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to strive to continuously improve the quality of care we provide,” said Noah Nesin, MD, Chief Medical Officer.