News Release Published June 26, 2007 By Vance Smith Director, Quality Services DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 7th Medical Group, Dyess AFB, Texas, has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association) according to Colonel Kent R. Helwig, Commander. Status as an accredited organization means the 7th Medical Group has passed a series of rigorous and nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by the Accreditation Association. Over 2,600 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC. "Accreditation underscores our long-standing commitment to providing the highest possible levels of quality care to the community we serve", said Colonel Helwig. "We are pleased and proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation." Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation. 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. Operating as an outpatient clinic within the Air Force Medical Service, the 7th Medical Group provides a broad range of outpatient medical and preventive care to approximately 5,500 active duty personnel and 8,000 family members of active duty personnel and military retirees in the Abilene, Texas area.