CCH Sleep Lab marks 10 years of national accreditation
Contact: Amy Blaser
For Immediate Release
(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – The sleep lab at Columbus Community Hospital has maintained its accreditation
from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for 10 years in a row — a reflection of its
ongoing commitment to high-quality, patient-centered sleep care.
“AASM accreditation is the gold standard in sleep care,” said Dr. Anita V. Shelgikar, president of AASM,
“reflecting a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered services that help people sleep
better and live healthier lives.”
Sleep disorders affect millions of Americans and can impact daily life and overall health. AASMaccredited sleep centers such as the CCH sleep lab provide both diagnostic and therapeutic services for
conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy.
“Many people don’t realize how much their sleep affects their overall health — or that there are
effective treatments available,” said Kevin Reichmuth, MD, medical director of the CCH sleep lab. “We
often hear patients say they thought poor sleep was something they just had to live with. Part of our
role is helping them understand their options and guiding them toward solutions that can truly improve
their daily lives.”
To earn and maintain AASM accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed standards in key areas
such as staffing, equipment, policies and procedures, patient care, data acquisition and quality
assurance. The sleep lab’s goals must also include plans to enhance the quality of care for the
community it serves.
“Achieving 10 consecutive years of accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine speaks
to the level of dedication and consistency our team brings to patient care,” said Nate Fuerhoff, director
of respiratory therapy at CCH. “It’s a detailed and demanding process to maintain, but it ensures we’re
always focused on quality, safety and staying current with advancements in sleep medicine.”
The AASM is the national accrediting body for sleep centers, with a mission to advance sleep care and
improve health through better sleep.
For more information about Columbus Community Hospital and its services, visit columbushosp.org.