RALEIGH, NC, November 28, 2011 – Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center is proud to announce the recent accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) of its on-site surgical facility. Accreditation distinguishes Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to its patients. Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center is the only physician, office-based ambulatory surgical center specializing in plastic surgery accredited in the Triangle area.

Almost 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC. Accreditation is a voluntary process and serves as a quality and performance measure against nationally-recognized standards. Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC 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.

“We believe our patients deserve the best,” says Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center Practice Administrator, Stephanie Woodard. “When patients see our certificate of accreditation, they will know that 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.”

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.

“Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to our patients and the quality of care we provide,” adds Woodard.