Accreditation is a voluntary process through which an ambulatory health care organization is able to measure the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized standards. The accreditation process involves self-assessment by the organization, as well as a thorough review by the AAAHC's expert surveyors, who are themselves, ambulatory health care professionals.

The AAAHC Certificate of Accreditation is a symbol to others that an organization has committed to providing high-quality care and that it has demonstrated its commitment by measuring up to the AAAHC's high standards. The real value of accreditation, however, lies in the consultative and educational process that precedes the awarding of the certificate. It is this self-analysis, peer review and consultation that ultimately helps an organization improve its care and services.