Methodist Hospital Metropolitan receives ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditation
The American College of Cardiology has recognized Methodist Hospital Metropolitan for its demonstrated expertise in and commitment to treating patients with chest pain. The hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI this April, based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
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, such as tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, a 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 comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
“Methodist Hospital Metropolitan has demonstrated its commitment to providing the San Antonio community with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, immediate past chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Methodist Hospital Metropolitan with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
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 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.
“We are honored to have earned this accreditation from the American College of Cardiology,” shared Greg Seiler, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan CEO. “In our commitment to ‘serving humanity to honor God,’ we strive to provide the highest quality of care every day. This accreditation is a true testament to that effort and to the exceptional healthcare provided by our incredible staff and physicians.”