Contact: Kim Vecchio, 970.237.7113, [email protected]
The Regional Orthopedic Center at Poudre Valley Hospital was recently recognized as one of the top 97 hospitals for outcomes following joint replacement surgery by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Of the 97 hospitals noted, PVH is one of only 25 hospitals in the nation and the only Colorado hospital listed who performed better than average in avoiding readmissions or complications.
The measured outcomes were based on Medicare data on how well patients fare after hip and knee replacement surgeries. The two outcome categories are readmissions after surgery and complications following surgery, such as a blood clot, infection, problem with the artificial joint or death. In judging hospitals, Medicare evaluated cases between July 2009 and June 2012.
“We should all be very pleased with the results of these outcomes, but at the same time, we must continue to try and improve them,” said Dr. Dana Clark, a surgeon at Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies.
“This represents a strong, collaborative effort by the physicians, nurses, therapists, and staff at PVH, who have made patient outcomes their number one priority,” said Dr. Clark, who is also director of the orthopedic service line for the hospital’s medical staff.
It is important for patients to have access to programs such as the Regional Orthopedic Center at PVH that has a proven quality track record, both surgeons and PVH officials believe.
“We know joint replacement surgery can make a huge difference in the lives of our patients,” said Kevin Unger, PVH president and CEO. “Our nurses, staff and physician partners work hard to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.”
Pam Boehm, director of PVH Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Services, said Regional Orthopedic Center patients benefit from having an experienced, well-trained staff, the staff’s long tenure also helps provide consistency in information offered to patients.
“We have very little turnover,” Boehm said. “I have been in orthopedics for two decades. Many on our team have been practicing at PVH on the orthopedic unit even longer. They love it, so they stay working in this specialty for many years. We have worked hard to create a culture where employees encourage each other to maintain the highest quality standards. ”
But, at the end of the day, it really comes down to teamwork, Boehm said. “People often say that it takes a village to make things work. For us, it’s the team. It takes a great team.”
Orthopedics at PVH has a long tradition of providing excellence in patient care. In 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2009, U.S. News & World Report recognized the unit as one of America’s best for orthopedic care.
The Orthopedic team by the numbers:
Click here for more information about Poudre Valley Hospital’s Regional Orthopedic Center.
About UCHealth
UCHealth is a Front Range health system that delivers the highest quality patient care with the highest quality patient experience. UCHealth combines Medical Center of the Rockies, Memorial Health System, Poudre Valley Hospital, Colorado Health Medical Group and University of Colorado Hospital into an organization dedicated to building a healthier community and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Separately, these institutions can continue providing superior care to patients and service to the communities they serve. Together, they push the boundaries of medicine, attracting more research funding, hosting more clinical trials and improving health through innovation.