The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Hillcrest Hospital South for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Hillcrest Hospital South was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in April based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
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.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is 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.
“Hillcrest Hospital South has demonstrated its commitment to providing Tulsa and the surrounding area with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Hillcrest Hospital South with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
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.
“We are very proud of this recognition and distinction from one of the leading national bodies within this country for cardiovascular care,” said Stanley K. Zimmerman, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, Hillcrest Hospital South Chest Pain Center director and Cardiac Cath Lab medical director. “I believe that this recognition sets apart Hillcrest South for their dedication to providing the best, highest quality, and comprehensive cardiovascular care for this community. To achieve both Cath Lab with Primary PCI and Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditations speaks to the high goals we have in providing the best possible care for our patients in this region.”
Hillcrest Hospital South, part of Hillcrest HealthCare System, is a 180-bed, state of the art hospital conveniently located in a friendly, community setting. To learn more about Hillcrest Hospital South, please visit hillcrestsouth.com or Facebook.com/HillcrestSouth.
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About Hillcrest Hospital South
Hillcrest Hospital South is a 180-bed acute care medical center located in south Tulsa, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services including maternity, cardiology, emergency, orthopedics and surgery. Hillcrest Hospital South is an active member of the community and has been named to Becker’s Healthcare’s “150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” list.
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology is the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team. The mission of the College and its more than 52,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College operates national registries to measure and improve care, offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions, provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet stringent qualifications.