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Joint automotive and medical quality program to offer patients more conveniences and improved care

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and the Michigan Medical Group Management Association (MMGMA), an association of medical practices, have announced today a joint program to help several medical offices in Michigan deliver high-quality care for patients and improve operational efficiencies, such as physician referrals, patient wait time and scheduling.

Through the program, AIAG and its training partner Omnex are offering their expertise in quality management systems and quality-related tools to several members of MMGMA launched in January 2007. For 25 years, AIAG has provided leadership in quality for the automotive industry in terms of development and implementation of common business processes and practices, standards, education, training and certification.

"MMGMA is committed to delivering high-quality and effective care to all patients," said J. Scot Sharland, AIAG executive director. "Given the current financial condition of the automotive industry, it is imperative that we work together to take cost reduction and quality improvement in health care to the next level. Our collaboration will focus on migrating industry best practices to make it happen faster!"

Five offices volunteered to participate in the program. They include Eye and ENT Specialists in Hastings, Kalamazoo Gastroenterology and Digestive Health Center, Lansing Ophthalmology, Milford Family Practice and River Valley Orthopedics in Grand Rapids. Using a team of quality experts, AIAG will work with each office to identify areas of improvement. AIAG then will help the offices create a robust quality program through the application of quality management system methodologies, problem solving techniques, lean management and Six Sigma to benefit patients and streamline efficiencies.

"Collaborating with all of the stakeholders in health care is vital in our efforts to positively influence the health care industry and advance our profession," said Charles Dobis, MMGMA Immediate Past President. "We are pleased to work with AIAG and use its expertise to help make it possible for our members to continually focus their efforts on strengthening the quality of care we deliver to our patients."

About AIAG

Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG's goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its more than 1,500 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.aiag.org.

About MMGMA

The MMGMA represents a diverse membership of administrators, physicians and business executives from a range of small medical practices, multi-specialty groups, hospitals and health-care related businesses. Its mission is to provide opportunities for education, networking and advocacy to advance the medical group management profession and positively influence the health care industry. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.michmgma.org.