RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- In a recent biennial inspection conducted by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, the 86th Medical Group achieved a rating of substantial compliance, the highest rating a medical organization can be awarded.

Being an accredited organization means that the 86th MDG has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by the AAAHC.

"We believe our patients deserve the best," said Col. Christine Taylor, 86th MDG commander. "When you see our certificate of accreditation you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, non-profit organization, 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."

Physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in organizations for ambulatory health care seek accreditation by the AAAHC. They undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the AAAHC expert surveyors.

The inspectors reviewed 20 chapters with a total of 2,000 standards. Each department of the facility has a list of things that are covered in the survey.

"Everyone has guidelines that they have to pass on," said Lt. Col. Valla Fairley, 86th MDG Diagnostic and Therapeutics Flight commander. "They look at all the services we do starting from patient movement all the way through the appointment. From the time they check in to see if we're asking all the appropriate questions, then through the appointment to see how the interaction was with the provider and the patient. If they have medication they have to get, they follow them through that process as well, to see if they get the proper counseling."

Most inspections cause stress for any organization. The pressure to pass and make sure everything is right for the surveyors causes an extra effort on all members' part.

"Our services and maintenance are things we should be keeping up with all the time," Fairley said. "The inspection is not something that we should rev up for."

The inspectors identified the following as best practices for the 86th MDG: the Quality of care program, the Dental Instrumental Processing Center and Behavioral Health operation embedded within Family Health clinic Family Health.

Additionally, nine Medical Group personnel were by-name recognized for excellent performance.

"We have an amazing group of people who work hard every day at the medical group," said Tech. Sgt. Autumn Moreno, 86th MDG NCO in charge of Hematology and Urinalysis for Infection Control. "To be recognized among these individuals feels great. We have a great team and they all deserve a pat on the back for their work during the inspection and the work that they do every day to ensure our patients receive the best healthcare possible. The 86th MDG takes great pride in the medical attention they provide. They are very passionate about what they do, ensuring each and every patient is cared for individually to the best of their abilities."

The 86th MDG takes great pride in the care they provide. To be recognized for their hard work is very important to them.

"It's an honor and an awesome responsibility that you have to take serious every time," Taylor said. "You have to know that you, the patient, are the most important person in front of me. I need to make sure I'm providing the right care for you."

The 86th MDG has many practices in their clinics. Whether service members, their families or retirees need a prescription refilled, to visit the radiology clinic for an x-ray, or even a trip to the dental clinic for a cleaning, the facilities are sure to be clean, operational and manned by knowledgeable and friendly staff.