Student Health Services achieves AAAHC accreditation

East Carolina University’s Student Health Services (SHS) has been reaccredited for three years by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

ECU’s SHS offers primary health care services to enrolled students and handles more than 30,000 student visits each year in clinics on main campus and the health sciences campus.

ECU’s Student Health Services has been reaccredited for three years. (ECU file photo)

Accredited since 2002, the designation means SHS has met nationally recognized standards for quality health care through an independent, external evaluation. More than 6,100 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC.

“This is an important milestone in the continuing growth and success of our health care organization,” said Dr. LaNika Wright, director of ECU SHS. “Pursuing accreditation shows our commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care to our patients, and the same high level of quality in our business practices. Achieving accreditation by AAAHC is proof that we have met the rigorous standards of a nationally recognized third party.”

Organizations seeking the three-year accreditation undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC 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.

“Having earned AAAHC accreditation, our organization embodies the spirit of ‘1095 Strong,’ quality every day, which refers to the three-year or 1,095-day period in the accreditation term during which ambulatory health organizations can develop and foster the kind of everyday habits that enable leaders in the industry to provide the utmost in quality care to their patients,” Wright said. “We are proud to have met the challenge of accreditation and intend to consistently uphold the principles of quality improvement in patient care.”

“Going through the process reiterates that we are a health care organization in pursuit of excellence,” Wright said. “We hold ourselves to high standards and desire to provide the highest quality of care. SHS is comprised of some of the finest employees on ECU’s campus and I am proud to be a part of this team.”

For more information, call LaNika Wright at 252-328-6841 or visit Student Health Services’ website.