WakeMed Recognized by BCBSNC as a Cardiac Center of Excellence
WakeMed Health & Hospitals today announced it has been named a Cardiac Center of Excellence by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSBC). This designation was awarded based on experience, quality and efficiency, each areas where WakeMed excels. WakeMed has also been recognized as one of nine North Carolina hospitals included in UnitedHealthcare�s Premium Cardiac Specialty Center Network.
There are marked differences in services and quality between hospitals in a specialized area like hearts. The more experience and greater variety of resources can make a vast difference in patient outcomes,� said Betsy Gaskins-McClaine, vice president, heart and vascular services. The Cardiac Center of Excellence program, and programs like it, will enable patients to make informed decisions on where to seek cardiac care.�
To receive recognition as a BCBSNC Cardiac Center of Excellence, WakeMed demonstrated that it offers a full range of cardiac services, performs at least 100 open-heart surgeries per year, has a proven track record of favorable outcomes and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The UnitedHealthcare designation was awarded based on exceptional physician capabilities, quality processes, adherence to evidence-based approaches, compliance with nationally recognized guidelines published by clinical societies and broad capabilities to manage cardiac illness and its treatment across the continuum.
WakeMed, featuring the area�s premiere Heart Center, completes more than 20,000 total cardiac procedures and performs more than 1,000 open-heart surgeries each year, more than any other hospital in the state. WakeMed touts excellent patient outcomes and routinely achieves patient satisfaction results greater than 99 percent for cardiac care. Additionally, as a private-not-for-profit, WakeMed prides itself on being lean and efficient, enabling the hospital to care for all patients who come through the door.
Hospitals like WakeMed work everyday to earn the designation as a Cardiac Center of Excellence by providing superior care one patient at a time.� commented Bob Greczyn, CEO of BCBSNC. It is notable that patients now have convenient access from a trusted source to help them determine which hospitals provide the best care for hearts close to home, in their state, or even around the nation.�
WakeMed�s comprehensive cardiac care program features education, prevention, diagnosis, intervention, surgery and cardiac rehab. The state-of-the art Heart Center recently underwent an expansion, adding 53,535 square feet and renovating 39,073 square feet. Housed in the Heart Center are three dedicated cardiac intensive care units, cardiovascular testing, 8 catheterization labs, a 43-bed observation unit, physician offices and a first class 38-room hotel for patients and their families.
WakeMed Raleigh Campus and Cary Hospital were also recently designated as accredited Chest Pain Centers.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader is delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.3 million members, including approximately 691,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 72 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.
