The University of Arkansas Pat Walker Health Center Receives AAAHC Accreditation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Pat Walker Health Center has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes this medical clinic from many other outpatient clinic facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to patients.

Status as an accredited organization means the Pat Walker Health Center has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. More than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

“We believe our patients deserve the best,” said Mary Alice Serafini, executive director of Pat Walker Health Center. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest care possible.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors – volunteer 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 first responsibility is to our patients and the quality of care we provide,” said Serafini.

“I am particularly proud of the professional and support staff, who demonstrate their commitment and dedication to excellence and the continuous improvement process that brings us to these high standards on a daily basis,” she said.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis where an overnight stay would not be required. Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single- and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

Pat Walker Health Center has achieved accreditation since 1987 and will remain accredited through Oct. 31, 2012, as a result of the most recent review and survey in fall of 2009.

The health center has provided health services to the University of Arkansas community since the late 19^th century and is currently housed in the beautiful Pat Walker Health Center, which opened on Garland Avenue in November 2004. Pat Walker Health Center provides primary medical care, women’s health care, counseling and psychological services and health promotion and education for students primarily, but also for faculty, staff and visitors to campus.

Charged with maintaining a high level of public health for the campus community, services also include required immunizations, travel immunizations, allergy shots, a clinical laboratory, X-ray services, an on-site pharmacy and a myriad of health education classes, workshops and prevention programs. Pat Walker Health Center staff includes nine physicians with specialties in family practice, emergency care, orthopedics, psychiatry, gynecology and sports medicine. Three nurse practitioners and a nursing staff of 12 round out the medical services.

Counseling services are provided by nine mental health clinicians including psychologists, social workers and professional counselors. Three professional health educators provide health promotion and education throughout the campus. In total, the staff is made up of over 60 professional and support staff.

All areas of the Pat Walker Health Center are honored to serve as a training site for graduate and undergraduate students as well as physicians and nurse practitioners in training at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and other programs.

For more information, call 479-575-4451 or visit the Pat Walker Health Center Web site.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 4,500 organizations accredited nationwide. The AAAHC accredits a variety of ambulatory health care organizations, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers, college student health centers, and large medical and dental practices. The Accreditation Association serves as an advocate for the provision of high quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.