"Outstanding"; 82 MDG flawless during AAAHC inspection

  • Published
  • By Josh Wilson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 82nd Medical Group received an "Outstanding" rating after an inspection by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC) during the week ending Feb 1.

The inspection covered virtually every aspect of the hospital system, from patient treatment to infectious disease control, with every area receiving high marks.

The AAAHC inspection is conducted every three years and this year, the hospital system was examined under 805 inspection criteria. Of the 805, 804 were found to be significantly compliant, or outstanding, while one was partially compliant and fixed on the spot. No major findings were found.

"I am very proud and humbled that I have the opportunity to work with such a professional staff that has great attention to detail," said Col. Scott Guermonprez, 82d Medical Group commander. "It's very nice to have an external company come in and validate what we have done."

The inspectors were very impressed with the level of care and professionalism the hospital had.

"There is no doubt, I would have no reservations about receiving care here," said Dr. Jerome Short of the AAAHC inspection team. "This is the best clinic I have inspected in 18 years."

Maj. Stefanie Nance, Capt. Emily Skinner, Master Sgt. Brandy Rowe and Master Sgt. Brian Stavely were four members of the hospital staffed coined by the AAAHC team for outstanding performance.

The AAAHC team also recognized 17 additional team members as outstanding performers.

The AFSO21 ER/UCC Recapture Team was able to show the inspection team that by improving and creating new processes, they were able to save $2.9 million in the last 12 months, with an 85 percent reduction in urgent care visits and a 15 percent reduction in emergency room visits.

The AAAHC is a private, independent, not-for-profit organization established in 1979. Their primary goal is to improve and enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care in ambulatory settings. They focus on quality of care at the provider/patient level as well as inspection of facility to ensure safety of patients and staff.