HCA Virginia Hospitals Excel in Anthem’s Quality Report

All Four Facilities in Southwestern Virginia Rank in Top 10

Salem, VA, April 3, 2009 -- Based on select quality of care measures, HCA Virginia has seven of the top 10 hospitals in the commonwealth, including Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Alleghany Regional Hospital, Montgomery Regional Hospital, and Pulaski Community Hospital, according to the most recent results from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Quality-In-Sights®: Hospital Incentive Program (Q-HIPsm).  Sixty-seven hospitals in all were part of the Anthem program.  

“These findings are a source of significant pride for all of us in Southwestern Virginia,” said Victor Giovanetti, President of HCA Virginia’s Southwest Market.  “We are especially pleased that this program reflects our success and commitment to not just one but a wide range of quality indicators that are important to our patients and medical staff members.” 

“These results are another example of the tremendous emphasis our employees and affiliated physicians place on exceeding patient needs and expectations,” said Margaret Lewis, President of HCA’s Capital Division.  “At a time when the cost of healthcare is becoming a concern nationwide, we believe these quality scores show that we’re providing our patients not only excellent care, but also outstanding value.”

Q-HIP aims to improve the quality of health care provided by hospitals by rewarding them for practicing evidence-based medicine and implementing best practices.  Rankings are based on patient safety, health outcomes and member satisfaction criteria.  Sixty-seven hospitals were included in the most recent report.  

Q-HIP uses metrics endorsed and developed by the American College of Cardiology, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the National Quality Forum, the Leapfrog Group and the Society for Thoracic Surgeons, among others.

“One important aspect of health care transparency is to improve the interaction between patients and health care providers in the system” said John Syer, vice president, Health Services for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “Based on their Q-HIP scores, it is evident HCA takes these daily interactions seriously and they should be commended for their willingness to promote that fact.”

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HCA Virginia Contacts:
Brandi Dawson, Marketing Coordinator
HCA Virginia – Southwest Market
(540) 772-2890
Brandi.Dawson@hcahealthcare.com

Nancy May, Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations
HCA Virginia – Southwest Market
(540) 776-4754 or (540) 537-3475
Nancy.May@hcahealthcare.com