UH Health Center Achieves AAAHC Re-Accreditation

DSA News
September 18, 2024

The UH Student Health Center recently received re-accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a process involving an extensive self-evaluation and a 2-day onsite survey by AAAHC expert surveyors. Accredited organizations deliver high-quality care that promotes patient safety.

Accreditation distinguishes the Student Health Center from many other outpatient facilities by assuring that the highest quality of care is delivered to its patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.

“There are only a few student health centers who achieve this accreditation since it is not mandatory for student health,” said Dr. Gabriela Ortiz, executive director of the Student Health Center. “It demonstrates UH’s commitment to excellence and aligns with the vision of the university to keep advancing toward our top 50 ranking status.”

The UH Health Center, one of only 17 university health centers in Texas to be accredited, was surveyed in July and notified of the full three-year re-accreditation term until 2027. This is the fifth consecutive accreditation since 2012. “Preparing for and maintaining accreditation helps us work to ensure we are providing the highest quality of care to our students,” stated Dr. Ortiz. “The survey is not only a review but consultative and educational. We are presented with best practices to help us continuously improve.”

Status as an accredited organization means that the UH Health Center has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. More than 6,600 ambulatory healthcare organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory healthcare organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous on-site survey process are granted accreditation.

Written by Lisa Raynor-Keck, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications – Student Health Center