East Alabama Medical Center Earns Transcatheter Valve Certification
May 22, 2023
OPELIKA, Ala.- The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures.
EAMC was awarded Transcatheter Valve Certification based on evaluation of the staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance.
"This certification is an example of the great care that can be provided when healthcare providers work as a team,” said Joseph Martinez, M.D., a cardiovascular surgeon at EAMC. “This certification process helped us look further into our existing processes to find ways to improve and fine tune the care that is being delivered.
“This has translated into a safer, more effective, and a more comprehensive healthcare plan delivered for the patient right here at home," Dr. Martinez stated.
The ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review and certification process that pairs with established national clinical databases to monitor patient safety and real-world outcomes related to transcatheter valve therapies. Participation in established national clinical databases such as the STS/ACC TVT Registry is required for hospitals interested in achieving Transcatheter Valve Certification.
The certification uses established national clinical measures to support clinical decisions, and links process improvement to patient outcomes. Hospitals that achieve Transcatheter Valve Certification learn best practices for implementing evidence-based medicine to support patient-centered decision-making and can track key performance metrics to better identify opportunities for improvement.
“Gaining ACC Certification for our Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement program is a great accomplishment not only for the hospital, but for our community as well,” said Scott Reames, M.D., a physician at Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates in Opelika. “This certification not only allows recognition for growing our local cardiovascular services in a safe and efficient way, but also gives national acknowledgement to our local and surrounding communities that they can receive advanced cardiology care right here in their community, without having to travel elsewhere.”
Dr. Reames sees the certification leading to further expansion of the cardiovascular services that East Alabama offers to patients.
“It allows us to build an initial bridge for further expansion of advanced cardiovascular procedures as well as retroactively reviewing and implementing changes to our existing cardiac service lines.”
The cardiovascular team at EAMC performs approximately 1,500 procedures each year and is made up of a wide range of cardiac care specialists. In addition to the Transcatheter Valve Certification, EAMC also has designation as one of America’s top 50 hospitals for cardiovascular surgery according to Healthgrades.
“East Alabama Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing East Alabama with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award East Alabama Medical Center with Transcatheter Valve Certification.”
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals 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 transcatheter valve therapies.
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About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital with a 26-bed Skilled Nursing Facility, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.