Spectrum - Volume 18 Issue 10 October 26, 1995 - Student Health Services accredited

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Student Health Services accredited

Spectrum Volume 18 Issue 10 - October 26, 1995

University Student Health Services (USHS) has been awarded the certificate of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC), according to Brian Warren, director.

The award means USHS has met nationally recognized standards for quality health care set by the Chicago-based accrediting organization. USHS is the second college-health service in Virginia to be accredited.

To achieve accreditation, USHS underwent an extensive on-site survey of its facilities and services. The survey team, composed of physicians and health-care administrators, evaluated all aspects of patient care. The survey findings resulted in a favorable decision.

Not all ambulatory-health-care organizations seek accreditation and not all who undergo an on-site survey receive favorable decisions. In a letter to USHS, the AAAHC president said, "The dedication and effort necessary to achieve accreditation is substantial. USHS is to be commended for this accomplishment."

The AAAHC conducts its accreditation program on a national basis and has accredited more than 440 ambulatory-health-care organizations including single and multi-specialty group practices, ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, college and university health services, health-maintenance organizations and other managed-care systems, dental group practices, community health centers, and occupational health centers.

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 Surgeons, American College Health Association, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society of Outpatient Surgeons, Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology Centers, Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association, Medical Group Management Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, and the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society.

A student health service has been functioning at Virginia Tech since 1875. USHS has been housed in the present addition to Henderson Hall since 1956.