Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Awarded Joint Commission Core Certification for Hip and Knee Replacement

Monday, January 22, 2018
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Awarded Joint Commission Core Certification for Hip and Knee Replacement

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for both Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement Core Certification. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. 

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center underwent a rigorous on-site review in November. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards and specific requirements for total hip replacement and total knee replacement. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed. 

The certification was achieved through staff involvement at all levels including physicians, orthopaedic nurses, care assistants, case managers, physical and occupational therapists, ancillary staff from medical records, registration and scheduling, as well as executive administration.  The cohesive team approach was pivotal to the accreditation process, as tracer methodology focuses on quality, performance improvement and direct patient care.

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.

“Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for patients with hip and knee replacement” said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. “We commend Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for becoming a leader in hip and knee replacement care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for hip and knee replacement patients in its community.”

"The hospital is pleased to receive Disease-Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” added Andy Guz, CEO, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “Our team has an impressive orthopaedic program in place and is committed to continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care for the increasing number of patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.”