The Joint Commission survey ensures stroke care meets AHA/ASA standards
The Joint Commission, using guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, recently recertified Munson Medical Center as a Primary Stroke Center.
The certification follows an on-site visit in December by a surveyor from The Joint Commission with expertise in stroke care. The designation demonstrates the hospital’s program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients. It verifies that Munson Medical Center is providing evidence-based best care and best practices to stroke patients in Traverse City and the surrounding region.
The hospital was initially certified as a primary stroke center in 2012.
“In again achieving Joint Commission advanced certification, Munson Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for stroke patients,” said Mark G. Pelletier, R.N., M.S., chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations for The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Munson Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”
Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association, The Joint Commission’s program is based on the Brain Attack Coalition’s “Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers.” Certification is available only to stroke programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.
“We are humbled and appreciative that The Joint Commission recognizes the quality of stroke care delivered at Munson Medical Center,” said Donald Caraccio, M.D., chairman of the hospital’s Medical Department and chief medical services officer. “This recertification is the result of an ongoing concerted effort by an interdisciplinary group at the hospital that has focused on ensuring our care for stroke patients meets the highest standards. “The surveyor was complimentary of our collaborative team approach and exceptional care.”
Neurologist and Stroke Unit Medical Director Kersti Bruining, M.D., said the region’s residents should rest assured they are in good hands should they suffer a stroke. “We have an amazing care team that not only has the expertise, but one that puts each patient at the center of their care and compassion,” she said. “We’re very thankful for The Joint Commission once again recognizing our standard of care.”
The two-year certification requires the hospital to report to The Joint Commission quarterly on eight core stroke measures of care. At the end of the first year, the hospital is required to participate in a conference call to attest to its continued compliance with the standards and to review performance activities.
Munson Medical Center also is one of 32 hospitals involved with the Michigan Ongoing Stroke Registry to Accelerate the Improvement in Care (MOSAIC).
More information on The Joint Commission and AHA certification for a Primary Stroke Center can be found at jointcommission.org and heart.org/myhospital.
Learn more about Munson Medical Center's stroke program.