BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee has designated Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Program as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care.
The need for quality cardiac care is urgent. The American Heart Association estimates that this year alone, 1.2 million Americans will experience a first or recurrent heart attack.
Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care demonstrate their commitment to quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for cardiac patients. Memorial meets evidence-based clinical criteria, developed in collaboration with expert physicians and medical organizations, including the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and is subject to periodic re-evaluation as criteria continue to evolve.
“We are pleased to receive this important recognition from BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee,” said Jim Hobson, president and CEO of Memorial Health Care System. “Memorial has an outstanding cardiac team dedicated to delivering the highest quality, full-service care to our patients.”
Memorial offers comprehensive cardiac care services, including inpatient cardiac care, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery (including coronary artery bypass graft surgery).
To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care, Memorial met the selection criteria which includes:
-An established cardiac care program, performing required annual volumes for certain procedures (e.g., a minimum of 125 cardiac surgical procedures annually, including both CABG and/or valve surgery).
-Appropriate experience of its cardiac team, including sub-specialty board certification for interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.
-An established acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency and a full range of cardiac services.
-Full accreditation by The Joint Commission, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program or national equivalent.
-Low overall complication and mortality rates.
-A comprehensive quality management program
To learn more about Memorial’s Regional Heart Center, call 423 495-7849.