Medical Group hosts accreditation survey team Published Aug. 26, 2013 By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Medical Group recently had a visit from the American Accreditation for Ambulatory Health Care survey team. AAAHC is the official accrediting organization for all Department of Defense medical facilities, said Chief Master Sgt. Marc Schoellkopf, 319th Medical Group superintendent. "Every three years each medical treatment facility must meet or exceed recognized standards through peer-based accreditation process," Schoellkopf said. The three-person team has a list of 750 standards to check, including radiology, surgery, anesthesia and calibration of equipment. "We look at everything from clinical patient care to the facility itself," said Paul Bennett, AAAHC surveyor. "Our job is to protect patients ... [however] we also want the organization to do well overall," Bennett added. In addition to inspecting the facility and equipment, the team also speaks to both patients and staff. "We ask 'do you have sufficient staffing to perform your mission?'" Bennett said. Additionally, the AAAHC surveyors examine policies and practices. "We know some are dictated by [Air Force Instructions] and some are local policies," said Bennett, "in that event we then ask 'okay this is your policy, are you abiding by it?'" While three days were earmarked for the survey, the team was able to complete the bulk of their work in two. The results of the survey are expected within 45 days of completion; however 319th MDG leadership is confident of a favorable result. "As with any inspections, first impressions have to be favorable to facilitate a smooth AAAHC inspection and I think we knocked that one out of the park," Schoellkopf said. "The inspection team was immediately impressed with the level of compliance demonstrated by the 319th Medical Group staff. I believe that we will be very happy with our inspection report."