MUMC Spine Programs Recognized by the Joint Commission

Savannah, GA, March 14, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The spinal fusion and the microdiscectomy programs at Memorial University Medical Center (MUMC) have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety in disease-specific care. These certifications recognize both programs for continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

“These accolades look at our open and minimally invasive surgery outcomes. The Joint Commission analyzes what we do before, during, and after surgery to ensure that every patient receives proven, evidence-based care,” said Raphael Roybal, M.D., spine surgeon.

MUMC participated in a rigorous on-site review in January. A Joint Commission expert evaluated each program for compliance with specific standards of care for patients and families, infection prevention and control, leadership, and medication management.

“These certifications are another example of Memorial’s commitment to quality. The spine center of excellence at Memorial continues to strive for clinical excellence with a program centered around education, continuity of care and following our patient’s outcomes even after surgery whether three months or two years,” said James Lindley, M.D., spine surgeon.

The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, evaluates clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address 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.

An independent, not-for-profit 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.

Memorial University Medical Center is a two-state healthcare organization serving a 35-county area in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina. The system includes its flagship hospital, a 610-bed academic medical center; Memorial primary and specialty physician networks; a major medical education program; business and industry services; and NurseOne, a 24-hour call center. To learn more, visit www.memorialhealth.com. You can follow us at facebook.com/memorialhealth, twitter.com/mymemorial, and youtube.com/memorialhealth.