Summers receives National Recognition for providing quality cardiovascular and stroke care

“Quality patient care translates into lives saved,” said Sidney Smith, Professor of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Past President and Past Chief Science Officer of the American Heart Association. “This is why the American Heart Association/American Stoke Association is supporting a recognition program for clinicians providing quality care. This program closes the gap by putting into practice American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines and statements to fight heart disease and stroke.”

To find out if your clinician has been recognized by the Heart/Stroke Recognition Program or for further information, please visit http://www.ncqa.org/HSRP. To order application materials, call (888) 275-7585 or order online at web.ncqa.org/hsrppubs.aspx.

More than 60 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for approximately 950,000 deaths each year. Approximately 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year; stroke is the third-leading cause of death and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability. Despite evidence that reducing cholesterol levels and controlling high blood pressure prevent further health complications, many cardiac and stroke patients are not treated effectively for these symptoms.

The American Heart Association spent almost $389 million during fiscal year 2001-2002 on research support, public and professional education, and community programs. The organization has more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters carrying out its mission in communities across the country. The association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which annually kill about 950,000 Americans.

The goal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is to raise awareness of stroke and reduce disability and death from stroke. In its 2001-2002 fiscal year, the American Stroke Association spent almost $86 million on stroke-related research and education programs.

About NCQA

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, NCQA is a private non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in healthcare. NCQA is committed to providing healthcare quality information for consumers, purchases, healthcare providers and researchers.

About Catawba Valley Medical Center

Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Hickory, N.C., is the region’s largest not-for-profit, public healthcare system and serves the community without direct funding from taxes. CVMC provides and promotes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventive medicine and acute care. CVMC has received three Magnet designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has been recognized with two Women’s Choice Awards, being named one of America’s Best 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience and a 2013 Best Hospital for Patient Experience in Obstetrics by WomenCertified®. For more information, please visit http://www.catawbavalleymedical.org.

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