Chattanooga, Tenn.- The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Erlanger Cardiology for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients with chest pain. Erlanger Cardiology was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing 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.
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.
“Erlanger Cardiology is proud to be recognized again by the American College of Cardiology for having a dedicated team of professionals in heart care,” said Jan McMahan, Chest Pain Program Manager at Erlanger Cardiology. “Erlanger utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to providing our heart patients with the best care available, and this designation shows our commitment to the community. We will continue to advance in heart care and provide the most up-to-date services to our heart patients.”
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must participate in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, conducting 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.
This is the second time Erlanger has received this accreditation. The accreditation is renewed every three years. To learn more about Erlanger Cardiology, visit erlanger.org/heart.
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