Date: 
Monday, January 30, 2012

Lexington Regional Health Center has been recognized as one of the top performing Critical Access Hospitals nationwide in caring for pneumonia patients. The health center is one of just 18 hospitals nationwide to have achieved 100 percent compliance in 2010 on all six pneumonia measures set by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Reaching 100 percent compliance is a significant achievement that required a combined effort and strong teamwork from multiple departments at Lexington Regional Health Center.

“It is important to all of us at Lexington Regional Health Center to provide evidence-based care that will give our patients the best outcomes,” Dana Steiner, Vice President of Patient Services, said. “We are proud to provide high quality care, and we will continue to work hard to exceed patient expectations.”

The standards of care set by CMS are based on research and best practices. Compliance with these measures is reported on the Hospital Compare website, which hospitals participate in voluntarily. Numerous care measures for pneumonia, heart attacks, heart failure, and surgical care measures are all tracked on the site. The website also tracks patient satisfaction and experience.

“Lexington Regional Health Center reports data on all diagnoses, as well as patient satisfaction data. We continue to do well with regard to all other measures including pneumonia measures,” Steiner stated.

Leslie Marsh, CEO of Lexington Regional, explained that part of a patient’s experience at the health center involves receiving evidence based or research supported care, and the application of CMS quality measures translates to better results for patients. She said Lexington Regional has placed a strong emphasis on creating a positive patient experience.

“To be recognized as one of 18 Critical Access Hospitals out of the 1300 plus Critical Access Hospitals across the nation, for this level of quality care, is quite an accomplishment,” Marsh said. “The entire Lexington Regional team is behind the idea of providing the best patient care in the region and the nation. It is a joy to work with a team of bright, dedicated professionals.”

For more information and to view all the Hospital Compare statistics, visit www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.