Riverview Regional Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with ACC Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI

Riverview provides necessary care, and resources to cath lab patients

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Riverview Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care, including diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Riverview was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI in November based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab. Riverview is one of only four hospitals in the state to obtain Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI from the ACC.

Percutaneous coronary intervention 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 proven exceptional competency in treating patients who require cardiac catheterization have standardized their assessment process for patients before undergoing catheterization to ensure quality and patient safety. They ensure that care in the procedure room for sedation, infection control, radiation safety, universal protocol, and time-out procedures is fully coordinated; and have mastered the appropriate transfer to a cath recovery unit to better monitor and track complications, enhance physician-to-patient communication, patient family communication, discharge instructions, and follow-up information.

“Riverview Regional Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Etowah and surrounding counties with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Riverview with Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI.”

Hospitals receiving Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI 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 guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of cath lab patients. 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 improved patient outcomes.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be surrounded by incredible Doctors and staff at Riverview’s Heart and Vascular Center”, said Cath Lab Director, Jennifer Poole. “We strive for excellence every day. This Accreditation represents our dedication to outstanding cardiac care for each individual patient and to the community. We are very proud to add this to our list of achievements that will directly lead to improved patient outcomes”.

Riverview Regional Medical Center is among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation for patient safety according to Healthgrades and the only hospital in Northeast Alabama to receive an “A” rating from the Leapfrog Group.

The ACC offers the U.S. and international hospitals like Riverview Regional Medical Center 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 the cath lab.