3rd MDG scores well on Joint Commission, Health Services Inspection

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jared Marquis
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  "Welcome to the 3rd Medical Group, TRICARE Alaska." 

Nearly everyone associated with the military in the Anchorage area has heard this a time or two. Whether they are veterans, family members, DOD civilians or active duty, it represents the beginning of their journey through the military medical system. It may be for a single appointment, or the beginning of a continuing treatment program. Whatever the case, it starts with that first phone call to the appointment line. What most may not realize is that they are receiving some of the best medical care available in the military. 

Technically the term would be "excellent" care; at least that is how the Health Services Inspection team classifies the 3rd Medical Groups' ability to treat patients. 

The Elmendorf DOD/VA Joint Venture hospital received a score of 90 on the inspection, which equates to an excellent, according to Capt. Cindy Cohen, 3rd MDG executive officer and project officer for the HSI. 

In addition to the HSI, the Joint Commission on health care evaluated and reaccredited the hospital. 

According to the Joint Commission website, they accredit and certify more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. 

Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards. 

The HSI and Joint Commission inspections are typically done simultaneously, said Capt. Cohen. However, they are no-notice inspections and the hospital only found out they were being inspected five days before the teams arrived. 

Capt. Cohen and the 3rd MDG were aware of the possibility of an inspection since the last one took place in 2005 and they are conducted approximately every three years. She said the team started planning so that they would be prepared if and when they got the call. 

"We started preparing in March, but we had no idea when the actual inspection would take place," she said. 

The team had a lot to prepare for the nine inspectors who evaluated 61 protocols, or conferences and approximately 505 line items. 

The teamwork paid off, as Capt. Cohen said no other CONUS hospital has received a 90 or higher in at least the last five years. 

"We credit our success to all the hard working individuals who gathered the documentation for the inspection, as well as everyone here who does a great job everyday," she said. 

In addition to the overall rating of excellent, four members of the hospital staff were named as outstanding performers. They are Master Sgt. Dean Kim, 3rd Aerospace Medical Squadron, Master Sgt. Stephen Spencer, 3rd Dental Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Khampheng Scott, 3rd MDG, and Staff Sgt. Alma Curic, 3rd Medical Support Squadron. 

Col. Elisha Powell, 3rd MDG commander said he was proud of the way the entire hospital staff performed throughout the inspections and it proved once again why the Elmendorf Hospital is the best in the Air Force. 

"It is impressive to know we can do so well in light of the multiple missions we do here in Alaska," he said. 

Now, the next time someone calls the appointment line and hears the welcome message, they can be sure will be the start of an "excellent" health care experience.