Recognized as the healthcare leader performing the highest level cardiac procedures in the region, Community Regional Medical Center was recently awarded a 3-star rating for coronary artery bypass graft from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).

STS enhances the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy. The not-for-profit organization represents more than 6,800 surgeons, researchers and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

Community Regional’s performance rating was for the July 2012 – June 2013 time period for overall composite quality rating. The composite rating consists of a weighted average of four categories: absence of operative mortality, absence of major morbidity, utilization of internal mammary artery and use of all evidence-based perioperative medications. 

Community Regional’s performance in this area rates in the top tier of participating hospitals across the nation.

Community Medical Centers performs more heart surgeries than any other healthcare system in the region and Community Regional is leading the way with advancements in minimally invasive procedures like bypass and valve replacement, and innovative cardiac, life-saving procedures such as the left-ventricular assist device and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Minimally invasive approaches to cardiac surgery typically have shorter recovery times and are likely to have superior outcomes. Recovery time can be measured in days, not weeks, because cutting through the sternum is eliminated using these approaches.

“I could not be more proud of our team who has earned this top rating. It takes a great deal of hard-work, discipline and an unrelenting focus on quality to reach this highest rating by a recognized leader in benchmarking in the healthcare industry,” said Community Regional CEO Jack Chubb.

Community Regional is one of three acute-care hospitals in the Community Medical Centers’ healthcare system and partners with UC San Francisco School of Medicine.

Mary Lisa Russell reported this story. She can be reached at MedWatchToday@CommunityMedical.org.