CONCORD, N.C., March 16, 2009—The Gateway Surgery Center at CMC-NorthEast has achieved accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This nationally-recognized accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest level of quality of care to patients. AAAHC surveys more than 3,600 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States.

“We believe our patients deserve the best,” stated Craig Bryan, Administrator of Gateway Surgery Center. "We are proud to have accreditation from this national organization which has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that as an organization, we care for our patients and strive for the highest professional standards possible."

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the accreditation Association’s expert surveyors – volunteer physicians, nurses and administrators, who are actively involved in ambulatory health care.

The survey is consultative as well as educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services. "Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our first responsibility is to our patients and the quality of care we provide to them," said Bryan.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations like the Gateway Surgery Center 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.