The UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics recently received a score of 100 percent in a survey conducted by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The survey was conducted in October 2008 at the seven clinics, which are located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Factoria, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Shoreline and Woodinville. This is the fourth AAAHC accreditation survey for the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics, and the fourth time the clinics have received a perfect score.

UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics' leaders view the survey as a learning experience, since patients are the ultimate beneficiaries from participation in the accreditation program. "The accreditation process is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the highest standard of excellence across the organization," said Meg Kerrigan, executive director of the Neighborhood Clinics. "Our accreditation by the AAAHC is a valuable measure of professional achievement, and the quality of care provided in our clinics."

The three-day accreditation survey involved an extensive on-site survey of clinic facilities and services. The survey team evaluated all aspects of patient care, and was composed of outside physicians and health-care administrators. In a letter to the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics, the AAAHC said, "The dedication and effort necessary for an organization to be accredited is substantial and the compliance with those standards implies a commitment to continual self-evaluation and continuous improvement."

More information on the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics is available on the Web at www.uwmedicine.org/uwpn or by calling 800-852-8546.