Corpus Christi Medical Center Ranked among Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the Nation

Corpus Christi Medical Center has been named in Modern Healthcare Magazine as one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Thomson Reuters. The study examined the performance of more than 1,000 hospitals by analyzing outcomes for patients with heart failure and heart attacks and for those who received coronary bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions such as angioplasties. This is the second time that Corpus Christi Medical Center – Doctors Regional, Bay Area and The Heart Hospital has been recognized with this honor.

 “As one of the most prominent and well-respected heart programs in the nation, Corpus Christi Medical Center is honored to have the opportunity to provide patients with safe, effective, efficient, and compassionate patient care.  This award recognition means that the community can depend on our physicians, nurses, and medical professionals to receive superior, reliable cardiac care,” said Jay Woodall, Chief Executive Officer of Corpus Christi Medical Center.

 “This year’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals have continued to deliver excellent care and have been able to improve their performance in a tough economic climate," said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals® program at Thomson Reuters. “The hospitals in this study have provided measurably better care and are more efficient than their peers, demonstrating incredibly strong focus

“This prestigious award honors hospitals that have led the nation with superior performance in cardiovascular services. Corpus Christi Medical Center is one of only 50 hospitals in the nation to receive this award.  As a physician, it is reassuring to be part of such a dedicated, talented team of healthcare professionals; together, we continue to raise the bar in health care quality for the community we serve,” stated Sergio Tavares, M.D. at Corpus Christi Medical Center.

The study shows that 97 percent of cardiovascular inpatients in U.S. hospitals survive and approximately 96 percent remain complication-free, reflecting improved cardiovascular care across-the-board over the past year. The 50 top hospitals’ performance surpasses these high-water marks as indicated by:

  • Better risk-adjusted survival rates (23 percent fewer deaths than non-winning hospitals for bypass surgery patients).
  • Lower complications indices (40 percent lower rate of heart failure complications).
  • Fewer patients readmitted to the hospital after 30 days.
  • Shorter hospital visits and lower costs. Top hospitals discharge bypass patients nearly a full day sooner and spend $4,200 less per bypass case than non-winners. 
  • Increased use of internal mammary artery (IMA) for coronary artery bypass surgeries.  Top hospitals have increased their use of this recommended procedure from 88 to 96 percent.

The study evaluated general and applicable specialty, short-term, acute care, non-federal U.S. hospitals treating a broad spectrum of cardiology patients.

Thomson Reuters researchers analyzed 2009 and 2010 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, Medicare cost reports, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare data. They scored hospitals in key performance areas: risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted complications, core measures (a group of measures that assess process of care), percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, and wage- and severity-adjusted average cost.

About Corpus Christi Medical Center

As a sign of commitment of quality improvement and efficiency, Corpus Christi Medical Center has received the Texas Health Care Quality Achievement Award. Committed to the care and improvement of human life, Corpus Christi Medical Center has been a growing part of South Texas since 1962.  What began as a 26-bed facility in the early 60s has grown into a 583-bed system offering a full range of health care services with outstanding clinical care, superior technological care and comforting and reassuring personal care. Corpus Christi Medical Center includes four hospitals: Doctors Regional, Bay Area, The Heart Hospital and Northwest.  Visit www.ccmedicalcenter.com .

About HCA Gulf Coast Division

HCA Gulf Coast Division is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, emergency centers, cancer centers and diagnostic imaging facilities.  It offers a complete continuum of specialized health programs and services that meet the needs of Greater Houston and South Texas residents and businesses.  HCA affiliated facilities in the Gulf Coast Division include 12 hospitals, 6 ambulatory surgery centers, 4 free standing emergency centers, 5 imaging centers, 5 cancer care programs and a Regional Transfer Center.  The Regional Transfer Center provides ground and air patient transportation to and from any HCA Houston Affiliated Hospital and any other healthcare facilities.

Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.  We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries.  For more information, go to http://thomsonreuters.com.