By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
MELBOURNE -- Brevard Health Alliance has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation, distinguishing the organization as one that provides the highest quality of care to its patients.
"Accreditation reflects that Brevard Health Alliance is committed to providing high-quality care, as well as a medical home to the people in which we provide care," said Maegen Pearce, project manager for Brevard Health Alliance. "Being a medical home means Brevard Health Alliance's services are patient-centered, directed by a physician, accessible and organized around the patient by giving them ownership of their care and ensuring continuity of care."
The nonprofit, private organization is the only federally qualified health center in Brevard County, aiming to provide care to area residents, regardless of their ability to pay for the services.
"We accomplish this through an array of partnerships and funding mechanisms," Ms. Pearce said. "If a patient does not have insurance, then they are offered services at a discounted fee, which is determined by the patient's income and family size during their registration process at Brevard Health Alliance."
To earn the certificate of accreditation, Brevard Health Alliance participated in an extensive assessment conducted by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, a group that consists of expert surveyors including physicians, nurses and administrators.
Ms. Pearce said the association reviewed Brevard Health Alliance's policies and procedures, medical record system, sanitation practices and the certifications of physicians, among other factors, to consider giving the accreditation.
Simply put, the accreditation shows that Brevard Health Alliance strives to give patients the best possible care, said Lisa Gurri, CEO of Brevard Health Alliance.
"Our certificate means the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care has closely examined our six facilities and organization's procedures," Ms. Gurri said. "It means we, as an organization, care about our patients and strive for the highest level of patient-centered care possible."
Brevard Health Alliance operates out of six locations: Melbourne, Rockledge, Malabar, Titusville and two in Palm Bay, as well as mobile units.
For more information, visit www.bhachc.org.