Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/01/2011 -- Congratulations to Lancaster General Health Urgent Care in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Washington Urgent Care in Fremont, California, BHS FastERCare in Butler, Pennsylvania and Allegheny Urgent Care Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the most recent Urgent Care Centers to earn Urgent Care Center Accreditation with the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine (AAUCM). These distinguished Urgent Care centers join the illustrious ranks of accredited centers in Arizona, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Ohio that have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to patient care and the practice of Urgent Care Medicine.

Accreditation is a voluntary process through which an Urgent Care Center is able to measure the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized standards. The assurance that healthcare providers and facilities maintain adequate levels of quality is of vital importance to patients. Knowledge of and close adherence to the standards of Accreditation provide assurances that the care provided at an Urgent Care Center is state of the art and that the established policies and procedures ensure exceptional business practices.

Accreditation demonstrates the highest level of commitment of the Urgent Care Center to providing quality medical care that is consistent with the highest ideals of the specialty of Urgent Care Medicine.

As a form of certification or validation, Accreditation is an indication to patients that the Urgent Care Center is committed to providing high-quality care. Urgent Care Center Accreditation ensures the provision of quality healthcare and the principles of professionalism. The goals of accreditation reflect the missions and goals of the AAUCM which are to elevate the standards of Urgent Care, provide positive and increased recognition of Urgent Care, and to serve the public by encouraging quality patient care in the practice of Urgent Care Medicine.

About the AAUCM
The American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine (AAUCM) is the leading society for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners practicing Urgent Care Medicine. The purpose of the AAUCM is to contribute to the field of Urgent Care Medicine in the areas of professional growth, scientific and medical research, and medical education, all to improve the overall quality of medical care. The American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine is working diligently to protect and ensure the future of the specialty of Urgent Care.