RALEIGH, NC – December 20, 2013 – GastroIntestinal Healthcare is pleased to announce that the practice has again achieved a three-year accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)—the longest term of accreditation offered by the AAAHC. Accreditation distinguishes the Raleigh-based GI practice from many other outpatient facilities by providing the highest quality of care to its patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.

AAAHC is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1979. It is the preeminent leader in developing standards to advance and promote patient safety, quality and value for ambulatory health care through peer-based accreditation processes, education and research. Status as an accredited organization means GastroIntestinal Healthcare has met nationally-recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. More than 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC.

Accreditation is a voluntary process. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all that undergo the rigorous on-site survey process are granted accreditation. GastroIntestinal Healthcare’s practice administrator, Nancy Nicoll O’Neill, said that their recent accreditation reinforces her practice’s continued commitment of providing the highest possible level of quality care to its patients and community.

“We believe our patients deserve the best,” said Nicoll O’Neill. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means we, as an organization, care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – 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.