Why Partnering with an AAAHC Accredited Organization is a Win for Your Workforce

Anyone that’s experienced poor healthcare knows that not all care is created equal. But if your organization is evaluating new benefits, how can you be sure you’re offering the highest quality care for your people? Luckily, there are independent third-party organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) that do the research and accredit only the best in the industry. 

This accreditation is a mark of excellence that demonstrates a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality services. In addition to being a sign of trust to consumers, this type of accreditation is also recognized by federal and state agencies, insurance companies and payers, and other healthcare networks. Getting accredited is a large undertaking for a healthcare organization that involves gap analysis, extensive staff training, thorough onsite evaluations, action planning, and more. In this blog, we will explore the value of partnering with an AAAHC accredited organization and why this accreditation is important for employers to be aware of. 

How Organizations and Their Members Benefit from Accredited Primary Care 

The benefits realized from an accredited primary care partnership extend far beyond the label; it also means a better member experience, a foundation of trust with providers, and much more. Let’s dive into how organizations and their members can directly benefit from an accredited partnership. 

Improved care quality 

Above all else, the AAAHC accreditation is a measure of quality. Exceptional, value-driven care is the basis on which these nationally recognized standards were established. This type of care means members feel cared for as human beings and have a primary care provider that supports them in reaching positive health outcomes. Better health outcomes for members, or getting well faster, also means less unnecessary or duplicative care.  

And when members are healthier, we know that organizations see an overall reduction in medical spend. Our recent claims-based analysis across our book of business showed just that, with organizations saving an average of 30% on their total cost of care when members were attributed to Premise for high-quality primary care. 

Better member experience 

With member-centered care and patient safety as the focus, the difference in the primary care experience delivered by an AAAHC accredited organization can be felt every step of the way. Whether it’s a kind greeting upon arrival or spending more time with the provider than in the waiting room, it becomes clear that this is healthcare as it should be.  

What do employees do when they feel well taken care of by their employer? They generally find more reasons to stay. In fact, one study showed that 78% of employees would look for a new job if their benefits package was inadequate. More importantly, health benefits were so crucial that only salary ranked higher in importance. This underscores the idea that a better member experience with primary care benefits could have a positive impact on turnover for the organization. 

Setting An Example 

Once members have access to a great primary care experience, they start to compare it to the other healthcare benefits they’ve experienced. Even if other workplaces offer employer-sponsored care, they may not have the advantage of being partnered with an accredited organization. When employers choose to go the extra mile on a healthcare partnership, this demonstrates commitment to employee wellbeing that is recognized by members and beyond; this is third-party validation that signifies that the organization prioritizes workforce health. While other employers spend time and resources to convince prospective employees of the value of their benefits, those that partner with accredited organizations let the proof speak for itself 

Trusted providers 

When members visit an accredited health center, they can rest assured that they’re getting the best care available. Gone are the days of wondering if their primary care provider will have enough time to listen to their issue and can be trusted to handle their needs. Members will find peace of mind in knowing they have a reliable medical home, where a quality care team provides comprehensive, evidence-based care quarterbacked by their primary care provider. Having a trusted foundation to build the patient-provider relationship is an important step on the journey to better health for your people. 

Better coordination of care  

Often care can’t and shouldn’t wait, especially for potentially serious conditions. So why are so many people delaying or skipping care all together? Besides the obvious cost factors, it could be that the average wait for a new patient appointment is 26 days. When your people can access care through an accredited organization, they don’t need to worry about the hiccups they’ll likely experience in the community. Improving operational efficiency and maintaining patient satisfaction are cornerstone metrics accounted for by the AAAHC, meaning members are the priority and their healthcare issues are resolved quickly. When referrals to specialty care are needed, warm handoffs and follow ups from their care team are the standard. 

Employer commitment 

There are many factors to consider when evaluating an offer of employment; even four years after the pandemic, employees are still 26% more likely to accept a role based on health and wellness benefits that are offered. Partnering with an AAAHC-accredited organization shows both candidates and current employees that their career will be supported by a high-quality healthcare resource, backed by accreditation from a third-party entity. The only thing more exciting than a new job opportunity is knowing the employer is also committed to keeping them healthy.  

Premise Health’s Multi-Site Accreditation 

When offering employer-sponsored healthcare to your people, partnership with an AAAHC accredited organization yields many benefits both for your company and its people. Employers can expect a reduction in total cost of care due to improved care quality, reduced turnover from a better member experience, and show a demonstrated commitment to the organization’s wellbeing by working with a accredited partner. Members gain peace of mind from trusted provider relationships, enjoy better coordination of care through the medical home, and can feel secure in knowing that their organization cares about their long-term health and wellbeing. 

In 2022, Premise Health once again received AAAHC accreditation for 100+ sites across the United States. By delivering a variety of services including our primary care medical home model, the basis for advanced primary care, we partner with organizations to ensure their people receive best-in-class healthcare to help them get, stay, and be well. 

Read more about Premise Health’s multi-site accreditation or contact us to see why healthcare is better with Premise.