Contact: Dawn O'Polka 509-837-1543
Yakima, WA (February 1, 2018) — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Astria Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Astria Regional Medical Center was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in November based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
“We are proud to have been listed among the best hospitals in America for the care of patients presenting with chest pain or heart attack. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) are recognized internationally as leaders in cardiovascular patient care and research. Accreditation by these organizations requires a well-designed and high quality hospital care process to rapidly identify and treat the patient with coronary heart disease. This process originates from evidence-based research and the nationally recognized ACC/AHA guidelines in order to provide the highest quality standard of cardiac care,” said Dr. Bradley Titus, Medical Director for the Astria Heart Institute Chest Pain Center and Interventional Cardiologist.
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.
“ACC Accreditation Services is proud to bestow Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation on Astria Regional Medical Center,” said Abraham Joseph, vice president of ACC Accreditation Services. “We commend Astria Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated commitment to providing the Yakima Valley with excellent cardiac care.”
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.
“Astria Regional Medical Center’s achievement of the American College of Cardiology’s prestigious Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation for the fourth consecutive 3 year cycle is a reflection of the exceptional team of physicians and staff committed to consistent, high quality processes across the continuum of care. Over these last 12 years, as Central Washington’s only full service cardiovascular care center they have shown and continue to show their commitment to efficient and effective care of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients. The Accreditation demonstrates reduced variations in patient care, lower lengths of stay while decreasing readmission rates while maintaining systematic process improvements and maximizing patient satisfaction. I am proud of all that Rich Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Astria Regional Medical Center and his team have done to once again accomplish this Accreditation,” said John Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer, Astria Health.
The ACC and American Heart Association are collaborating to offer U.S. hospitals like Astria Regional Medical Center access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.
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.
For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit accreditation.acc.org, or call toll-free 1-877-271-4176.
American College of Cardiology
Katie Glenn, kglenn@acc.org, 202-375-6472
About Astria Health
Astria Health, headquartered in the heart of the Yakima Valley in the state of Washington, is the largest non-profit healthcare system based in Eastern Washington. Astria Health is the parent non-profit organization of Astria Sunnyside Hospital in Sunnyside, Washington, Astria Regional Medical Center, Yakima, Washington and Astria Toppenish Hospital, Toppenish, Washington along with outpatient Astria Health Centers (14 medical clinics and 23 specialty clinics) conveniently located in towns and cities throughout the Region. Committed to investing in a continuum of care for the people who live and work throughout Eastern Washington, Astria Health’s goal is to build sustainable healthcare organizations that improve health in the communities we serve.