University Health Services Receives Health Care Accreditation

By Nancy Stockert
University Health Services


In July of this year, the University Health Services Manoa (UHSM) received accreditation for a full three-year period, from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). AAAHC is one of the two major health care accrediting organizations in the country. It is sponsored by a large number of national health care groups, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College Health Association and the National Association of Community Health Centers. For nearly 40 years, accreditation has been the highest form of public recognition for quality of care; over 1,400 ambulatory health care organizations are accredited by AAAHC.

Accreditation means an independent body has determined that the organization provides high quality patient care; meets professional standards; ensures that services are provided in a consistent and coordinated fashion; and is accountable to their patients. The process is voluntary, rigorous and based on ongoing quality improvement. AAAHC grants accreditation for six months, one year, or three years, with the three-year period indicating confidence in the organization’s ability to maintain a high standard of quality without constant monitoring. UHSM achieved a three-year accreditation on its first attempt. (The service simultaneously underwent a voluntary financial audit.)

In the past, on-campus health centers such as UHSM generally have not sought accreditation as health care organizations because they are evaluated under the accreditation process for institutions of higher education. The medical providers in these centers are licensed practitioners and all regulations pertaining to medical care are followed; however, the medical community has not evaluated the organizations themselves. In the past decade this has changed as more health centers within higher education are participating in the health care accreditation process.

Faculty, staff and students who receive service at UHSM are pleased with their care. In a recent patient evaluation survey, over 98 percent of patients said they would recommend the health service to a friend, and on UH Manoa student satisfaction surveys the health service has consistently received the highest scores for campus student services (about 87 percent satisfied or very satisfied). AAAHC accreditation provides a professional stamp of approval that confirms what patients knew all along.