Baptist Health Richmond receives chest pain center accreditation
Baptist Health Richmond has been recognized for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain.
Richmond, KY, (February 8, 2023) – Baptist Health Richmond has been recognized by The American College of Cardiology for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI is awarded based on a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
“When you’re having a heart attack, minutes matter. Knowing your community hospital is prepared to treat you with the very best heart care is critically important,” said Greg D. Gerard, president of Baptist Health Richmond. “With the dedication and collaboration of our team, this achievement demonstrates how our hospital is prepared to provide excellent and timely care in our patient’s greatest time of need.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.
“Our cardiovascular team works hard to ensure patients receive the very best care,” said Lora M. King, RN, SANE, executive director of specialty services. “By utilizing evidence-based science, quality initiatives, clinical best practices and the latest medical guidelines in cardiovascular care demonstrates our team’s commitment to fostering a culture of health in our community.”
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty, a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.
“Baptist Health Richmond has demonstrated its commitment to providing Madison and surrounding counties with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Baptist Health Richmond with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
“Madison Co. EMS is an integral member of our team, ensuring the successful treatment and care of patients in our community,” King said. “Through their intentional partnership and collaboration, together we are able to provide safe, quality care for the residents of Madison and surrounding counties. We’re forever grateful for their service to our community.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Baptist Health Richmond access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.
Baptist Health Richmond knows your heartbeat is as unique as your fingerprint and we believe that’s how your heart care should be, too. Our highly skill interventional cardiologists offer a progressive approach to heart care with personalized patient-centered diagnosis and treatment options. Whether you’re diagnosis is coronary artery and vascular disease, heart failure or heart rhythm disorders, our doctors and staff members help our heart patients in and around Madison County to live better, healthier lives with the best possible outcomes.
To find a provider, visit BaptistHealth.com/HeartCare.