When Robbie Buechler, M.D., Ph.D., arrived at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center, he had a vision not only to treat people with sleep disorders but also to transform the quality of care entirely. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, Buechler came to Lancaster with a fresh perspective on how to improve the Sleep Lab program. Now, that vision is coming to life as the Sleep Lab earns recognition not often seen in rural communities.
"Part of me coming to Lancaster Medical Center was to reinvigorate the Sleep Lab that had been here. It really wasn't being utilized, and we didn't have any active studies or the like. So, we wanted to focus on recruitment and assembling a team, " said Buechler. "We have an awesome team now, which obviously wouldn't be possible without good techs and great management of the facility."
Under Buechler's leadership, the lab has re-earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), which underscores the Sleep Lab team's commitment to ensuring excellence, high-quality patient care and patients' continued eligibility for insurance reimbursement.
ACHC is a nonprofit organization that develops and implements accreditation and certification programs for various health care organizations. These programs help health care providers to demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety by meeting established standards. According to the organization's website, ACHC accreditation is important because it validates an organization's adherence to rigorous standards, supports quality improvement and can help them to meet regulatory requirements.
Buechler's heart for this team and patient care doesn't go unnoticed. MUSC Health-Catawba Division Cardiopulmonary director Erica Fuller complimented Buechler's ability to lead a successful team and emphasized how strong the team has become. She noted that the department received a 98% patient satisfaction rate in a recent survey.
"The whole relationship Dr. Buechler has and how passionate he is about the patients and our department has a lot to do with our success. He wants us to succeed, and he's so helpful," said Fuller. "This accreditation was a collaborative effort and a tremendous accomplishment that speaks volumes about the great work that our team provides on a day-to-day basis. We are maintaining a level of service that is commanded for the care of our patients."
Chief Medical Officer Edward McCutcheon, M.D., praised the Sleep Lab team for its accomplishment.
"Having a high sense of pride and a strong culture has enabled us to maintain the rigorous requirements for this Sleep Lab, and now we're able to provide the best care for those patients in need of sleep medicine," said McCutcheon. "I would say that collectively as a team, working so closely together and having that strong culture, has enabled us to maintain this accreditation."
For Buechler, this accreditation stands as a testament to the team's unwavering dedication to treating every patient with individualized and compassionate care.
"We've built a good reputation from our patients," said Buechler. "We care for them one patient at a time, making sure each one receives the same level of commitment to their sleep."
For Further information on the Sleep Lab and how to make an appointment, you can visit the MUSC Health Sleep Medicine and Lab at Lancaster Medical Center webpage.
