52nd MDG Airmen receive 'Excellent' for AAAHC Published May 25, 2007 By Col. JP Fancher 52nd Dental Squadron commander SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- The Air Force Inspection Agency's Health Services Inspection and the civilian Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care completed a combined comprehensive review of the 52nd Medical Group May 11. The HSI team awarded a score of "Excellent," and AAAHC reported no findings. The combined inspections looked at 112 HSI elements and 24 AAAHC standards in a rigorous three-day review of leadership, expeditionary medical operations and in-garrison medical operations that included every aspect of daily operations in all of the clinics and functions throughout the medical group. Specific areas included leadership functions, in-patient and out-patient care, medical service management, bioenvironmental engineering surveillance programs, behavioral health, dentistry, flight medicine, nursing, public health programs and senior enlisted management programs. While the HSI team did a comprehensive inspection that included all aspects of daily healthcare and unique military functions, the AAAHC team validated that the organization meets civilian standards of healthcare. Scoring well was no easy task because the inspectors looked for evidence of sustained performance over a two-year period rather than a short track record of improvement just before the inspection. Preparation for the inspection began the day after the last inspection -- two and a half years ago, with preparation really in high gear one year ago. Personnel at all levels of the organization were tasked to review and document their functions while constantly looking for ways to improve their business practices. This has been a particularly difficult time for the medical group to be inspected because the process of transition from a hospital to a clinic had to be factored into every function. Not only did the track record have to look good, but there were constant questions about the future and how we are making plans to continue to serve our wing in a new era of healthcare delivery. Both the military and civilian inspectors were truly impressed that there is a highly proactive leadership forum in place that constantly considers all alternatives for excellence, and communicates throughout the organization the tasks that need to be done. None of the inspectors had a clear idea of the challenges we face with the split campus organization between two operating locations, or the difficulties we encounter in supporting the geographically separated units of our region. The teams were very satisfied when they saw how we attack all obstacles and seek success. The outcome of this inspection showed that our organization constantly meets and exceeds standards. We are accomplishing all of the missions to support our wing and beneficiary population. The members of the 52nd MDG are proud to serve; this is a great place to be, and we want you to know we are pleased with this accomplishment and result. One team - one fight! Excellence in all that we do!