377th MDG excels in Health Services Inspection

  • Published
  • By Keith Pilloud
  • 377th Medical Group
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  The 377th Medical Group received an overall "Excellent" rating during a June 14-18 Health Services Inspection. Results proved that the 377th MDG is doing more than just accomplishing its mission. Nine members from the Air Force Inspection Agency's Medical Directorate awarded the rating after conducting an exhaustive four-day examination of more than 1,600 criteria.

HSIs assess the functioning and execution of Air Force Medical Service programs and processes at the local level in order to provide senior leadership with accurate data upon which to base policy decisions. HSIs also assess the ability of Air Force medical units to fulfill their peacetime and wartime missions, including provision of medical care and support of the host wing mission. HSIs occur every three years.

Key areas observed were Expeditionary Medical Operations, In-Garrison Medical Operations and Leadership. Within these areas are 16 categories that were individually scored. Ten of these scored the highest possible rating of "Outstanding." They were; Deployment Processing Support (with a perfect score of 100 points), Force Fitness, Operational Medicine, Occupational Health, Epidemiology & Public Health, Worker Protection, Dentistry, Mental Health, Business Management and Executive Oversight.

In his final report AFIA Team Chief, Col. James Hougas said, "Significant improvements in a multitude of programs are apparent. Beneficiaries expressed widespread satisfaction with the quality of care provided within the Medical Group as well as care received in the civilian network".

Along with the HSI team, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care conducted a rigorous survey of 29 elements. A three-member team gathered information for the AAAHC to decide whether to accredit the 377th MDG for another three years. The accreditation decision is based on a careful and reasonable assessment of an organization's compliance with applicable standards and adherence to the policies and procedures of the AAAHC. The final decision will be announced in 45 days.

AAAHC inspectors said were very impressed with 377th MDG's Process Improvement program, compliance with Patient's Rights & Responsibilities standards, Health & Wellness programs, and the overall care provided to patients. The 377th MDG expects full accreditation for another three years.