Today, it seems as if any business or organization can place a badge on their door or an award on their wall and feel good about their performance. There are awards and certifications for just about everything from review stars to accreditations and more – many of which can be purchased for the right price or handed out to anyone who expresses an interest. These recognitions can diminish the value of true designations that illustrate the hard work, dedication, and commitment of an entire team.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) who receives funding based on our achievements, ACHS reports on our performance to a variety of state and national organizations, including the United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Each year, we are audited and report on the success and challenges of our programs by providing clinical data on patient demographics and services. We open our books to illustrate our achievements by reporting costs, revenues and more. The results and our scores are directly related to the funding we receive. These monies (many millions of dollars) for excellent performance are reinvested in quality improvement projects to enhance the health care services we provide to our patients.

These awards are vitally important – with them we receive funds to provide exceptional patient care

In the autumn of 2019, ACHS once again welcomed HRSA auditors. After many meetings, discussions, and documents our final score was delivered. ACHS scored a 97% – an A+ rating – this is an achievement that less than 30% of the 1,400+ FQHCs in the nation receive.

Based on our data, ACHS was awarded:

• 2019 Health Center Program Quality Improvement Awardee – a silver badge – among the nation’s top 11- 20%, and the Health Center Quality Leader designation.

This means you can be sure you are getting the best in care at any ACHS site, that our funding is used as an investment so we can enhance the patient experience, achieve nationally recognized outcomes and stay financially sound.

• 2019 Access Enhancer Award – which recognizes health centers who have increased the total number of patients served and the number of patients who receive comprehensive services

This means more of your friends and neighbors are getting the care they need and are receiving integrated services – medical, dental behavioral health and more – to keep them healthy from head to toe.

• 2019 Health Disparities Reducer Award – recognized for reducing health disparities, increasing health care access and delivering patient-centered care indicating we have met or exceeded the Healthy People 2020 goals across racial/ethnic groups.

This means we care for all regardless of race, age, religion or socio-economic status.

• 2019 Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition

This means you are at the center of your health care! Your providers work with you on integrated all your health care needs – under one umbrella

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Even though we are confident in the work we do here, and don’t need awards to understand that the patient is at the forefront of all we do, it’s still nice to be recognized for our team’s work and dedication. The next time you come in for an appointment you can feel secure that ACHS is working hard for you to get well soon and stay well longer.

 

See all of ACHS’ data here: HRSA Details