Over the last few months there has been a national focus on healthcare, the economy, and what’s wrong with our system. At this time, we would like to step back and focus on what is right in healthcare and, more importantly, what is going on right here at Doctors Medical Center.

It was only a few years ago that Tenet Healthcare, and Doctors Medical Center, publicly announced a renewed and unwavering commitment to quality. We pledged to redefine our facility by creating a culture that places patient outcomes and quality at the core of every action and decision that we make. As a facility, the results of these efforts are clear to see. Our most recent publicly reported data shows that we consistently exceed the national, state-wide, and regional quality data averages (CMS Hospital Compare).

We now have the privilege of sharing a new quality honor that we have received for our cardiac services. DMC has been recognized as one of the top 5 performing hospitals in the state for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) outcomes. The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) lists DMC as performing significantly better than state average on mortality outcomes based on the findings of the California Report on Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, 2005-2006 Hospital and Surgeon Data

The California Coronary Artery Bypass Reporting Program (CCORP) is the largest public reporting program on CABG surgery outcomes in the United States. In total, the CABG report measured the performance of over 280 surgeons performing CABG procedures in 121 hospitals throughout the state for surgeries taking place in 2005 – 2006. The report adjusted individual patient risks for pre-operative health conditions and then used these adjusted rates to determine surgeon and facility performance.

This accolade is only one of a growing list of recognitions recently awarded to the programs at Doctors Medical Center. These awards are the culmination of the tireless work of our team towards the goal of optimizing outcomes for each and every patient.

• In 2009, DMC received the Coronary Intervention Specialty Excellence Award from HealthGrades in the annual Hospital Quality in America Study. This study also ranked DMC among the top 5 percent nationally and second in the state for coronary interventional procedures including angioplasties and stents.

• DMC has received two Gold Awards for Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelinessm performance achievement program.

• In April 2009, DMC received recognition as a “Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care” from Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

• DMC is designated as a UnitedHealth Premium® Specialty Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Electrophysiology, and Interventional Cardiology.

• DMC has received CIGNA’s Quality Designation for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Vaginal Delivery.

• DMC has the only Level II Verified Trauma Center (American College of Surgeons) between Sacramento and Los Angeles.

These recent awards are undeniable indicators that the everyday efforts of each and every team member are making a difference in our community.  Please join me in saying, "Bravo" to all of the employees and physicians affiliated with Doctors Medical Center.

Sincerely,

Warren J. Kirk,
Chief Executive Officer