Tanner Health System is continuing to enhance its orthopedic services with its recent Gold Seal of Approval for Spinal Surgery from The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading accreditor of healthcare services and facilities.
The certification follows a rigorous on-site review earlier this year from independent Joint Commission evaluators. The experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as with spinal surgery-specific requirements. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved here at Tanner in terms of offering world-class spine care in a community hospital environment,” said Brad Prybis, MD, a board-certified spine surgery specialist with Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic and a member of the patient care team at Tanner Ortho and Spine Center. “This designation ensures that patients who choose Tanner for spine care are making an educated decision.”
This isn’t Tanner Ortho and Spine Center’s first blush with quality-based clinical designation: The center also holds Gold Seal Approval certification for hip and knee replacement surgery, as well as certification from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Specialty Care provider in knee and hip replacement and spine surgery.
Established in 2002 and awarded for a two-year period, The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification evaluates clinical programs across the continuum of care and addresses three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.
“Tanner Ortho and Spine Center has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for patients who need spinal surgery,” said Patrick Phelan, executive director of hospital business development with The Joint Commission. “We commend Tanner for becoming a leader in surgical spine care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for patients throughout its community.”
The designation puts a spotlight on the health system’s commitment to ensuring patients receive the best possible care, according to Ki-Hon Lin, MD, a board-certified spine surgeon with Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic and a member of the patient care team at Tanner Ortho and Spine Center.
“Choosing a healthcare provider for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions anyone will make,” said Dr. Lin. “Designations like this help our patients have confidence that they and their loved ones are benefiting from the highest standards of care. It demonstrates our commitment to deliver the best possible care to every patient, every time.”
Tanner Ortho and Spine Center offers a wide range of orthopedic services, including foot and ankle care; hand, wrist and elbow surgery; partial and total joint replacement procedures; shoulder care; sports medicine; and spine surgery. More information is available online at www.TannerOrtho.org, where those interested can also request an appointment. Referrals to an orthopedic specialist are also available by calling 770.214.CARE (2273).