Schiffert Health Center receives seventh consecutive accreditation

BLACKSBURG — Schiffert Health Center at Virginia Tech has been reaccredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Schiffert Health Center has received seven consecutive accreditations since 1994, and continues to meet the high standards set by the association.

Schiffert Health Center’s continuing mission is to provide quality health care and health education in support of Virginia Tech’s mission to educate the whole person. Kanitta Charoensiri, director of Schiffert Health Center, and Colleen Farmer, quality improvement coordinator, collaborated with all staff members to earn this accreditation again.

“Accreditation allows us to continue to improve health care quality and to provide the highest achievable level of care for Virginia Tech students in an efficient and economically sound manner,” said Charoensiri.

To receive accreditation, organizations participate in a self-assessment and on-site survey by other physicians and administrators within the ambulatory health care profession. The survey presents best practices and gives organizations the opportunity to improve its services, while taking a look at how the organization has met the 22 chapters of standards in the accreditation handbook.

"Accreditation is an important aspect of the Schiffert Health Center's desire to continuously improve its care and services for our students," said Chris Wise, assistant vice president for student affairs. "Having a successful reaccreditation allows us to continue our role in the overall well-being and growth of our students while working to make even greater improvements."

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care was founded in 1979 to “develop standards to advance and promote patient safety, quality care, and value for ambulatory health care.” The association is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 6,000 organizations accredited nationwide. Organizations include ambulatory surgery centers, community health centers, medical home practices, Indian and student health centers, military health care clinics, large medical and dental practices, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Written by Holly Paulette.