Seton Medical Center Recognized by Blue Shield of California for Cardiac Care Expertise
Seton Medical Center was recently recognized as one of 28 California hospitals to provide expert cardiac care to its patients. As part of Blue Shield of California's Cardiac Quality Initiative, Seton Medical Center demonstrated an institutional commitment to integrated cardiac care that meets high quality standards set by the healthcare company.
"We're honored to be recognized for our excellent cardiac services and applaud Blue Shield for providing the public with information that can help individuals and families decide where they can receive exceptional cardiac care ," said Bernadette M. Smith, President & CEO of Seton Medical Center/Seton Coastside.
Blue Shield invited network hospitals currently providing adult cardiac services to complete a survey to be considered for the Cardiac Quality Initiative. Survey responses were evaluated against evidence-based quality selection criteria, including measurable and solid outcomes, superior care processes and programmatic commitment to integrated, quality care.
Participation in the Cardiac Quality Initiative was voluntary for Blue Shield providers. Seton Medical Center responded to the survey and met all criteria, demonstrating strong performance and commitment to cardiac care.
Criteria for selecting Cardiac Quality Initiative facilities were developed by Blue Shield's Cardiac Clinical Advisory Committee (CCAC.) The CCAC is composed of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons from academic and community medical centers located throughout the state and included representatives from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology. The CCAC set the criteria and Blue Shield evaluated the hospital cardiac programs against the criteria and selected the participating facilities.
"Blue Shield's Cardiac Quality Initiative evaluates and recognizes hospital and physician capabilities," said Michael-Anne Browne, M.D., regional medical director, Blue Shield of California. "These capabilities include their quality processes, adherence to evidence-based medicine, compliance with nationally recognized standards, and their overall capabilities to manage cardiac illness and its treatment at various stages."
About Blue Shield of California
Founded in 1939, Blue Shield of California is one of the state's leading healthcare companies. Headquartered in San Francisco, the not-for-profit corporation has more than 3.3 million members, 4,300 employees and more than 20 office locations throughout California. For more information on Blue Shield, visit the company's website at www.mylifepath.com.