Ocala Health Awarded Hip, Knee, and Spine Certification from The Joint Commission

Ocala Health has announced that it has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval^_® for Hip, Knee, and Spine Certification. The Gold Seal of Approval(R) is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site review in August 2018. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as with hip, knee, and spine specific requirements. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed.

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
An organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities

"Ocala Health has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for patients with orthopedic conditions," said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. "We commend Ocala Health for becoming a leader in knee, hip, and spine care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for orthopedic patients in its community."

"Ocala Health is pleased to receive the Disease-Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation," added Chad Christianson, CEO, Ocala Health. "The certification provides us with the framework to continue providing a culture of excellence for those in our community."

About the Joint Commission

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.