For information on the Nasseff Heart Center and heart and vascular services at United Hospital, please call
651-241-2525.
Established in collaboration with the American Heart Association, this certificate of distinction recognizes hospitals that are making exceptional efforts to foster better quality care and outcomes for patients with heart failure.
"This certification underscores our commitment to provide a multi-disciplinary approach when treating patients with congestive heart failure," said Tomi Ryba, president, United Hospital. "This certification validates the high quality care we provide, and we're proud of this achievement. Our physicians, nurses, staff and administrators, work hard to ensure we are providing the best care possible for our patients."
Readmission rates are monitored by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). During the period that United Hospital implemented new heart failure procedures, readmissions dropped nearly 50 percent (29.3 percent in January 2009 to 14.7 percent the most recent four months ending in February 2010).
"When readmissions go down, we know we're doing a better job for our patients and making a difference on our patients' lives," said Julianne Scott, director of United Hospital's Nasseff Heart Center. "Fewer hospital admissions also mean we're making better use of our resources, including scarce health care dollars."
Of all chronic diseases, heart failure is among the most common causes of hospitalizations in the U.S. Heart failure also accounts for the highest number of hospitalizations and the highest number of readmissions among those 65 and older. It costs more than $35 billion a year to treat.
"St Paul Heart Clinic physicians and staff have been champions for improving the cardiovascular care of our community," said Thomas Johnson, MD, St. Paul Heart Clinic. "This certification by the Joint Commission is another method to help us monitor and deliver outstanding care to our patients. We are proud that the Joint Commission has publicly acknowledged our passion and efforts."
The United Hospital had also achieved certification as a Stroke Center, and Disease specific certification in Diabetes through The Joint Commission.
About United Hospital
United Hospital, part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, is the largest hospital in the Twin Cities east metro area It is a non-profit hospital providing a full range of health care services to more than 200,000 people each year. United offers a wide range of health services including a birth center, cardiac care in the Nasseff Heart Center, emergency care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences and epilepsy, a pain center, rehabilitation, medical imaging and surgery.
More information about the hospital, which is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, can be found at unitedhospital.com.
About The Joint Commission
An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 17,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards.
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