Numc Recognized By Healthcare Association Of New York State For Its Achievements In The Heart Failure Program
Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP Michael B. Mirotznik, Esq.,
President/CEO Chairman Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2015
PRESS CONTACT:
Shelley Lotenberg
shelley@numc.edu
516-572-6055
NUMC Recognized by Healthcare Association of New York State for its Achievements in the Heart Failure Program
East Meadow, NY……….Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP, NuHealth/NUMC’s President/CEO, announces that the NUMC cardiology department’s heart failure program has been recognized by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) for its achievements in improving quality, safety and efficacy of care and for redesigning the way care is delivered. In a letter dated November 24, 2015, Dr. Kathleen Ciccone, Executive Director of HANYS Quality Institute, wrote: “I am pleased to provide a copy of HANYS’ publication, which recognizes your achievements, and those of your colleagues at HANYS’ member organizations across New York State.”
Dr. Politi congratulated the cardiology staff: “The cardiology department, under the leadership of Amgad Makaryus, MD, FACC, FACP, FASE, FSCCT, chairman, deserves congratulations for their efforts in reducing readmissions, reducing mortality rates for Medicare patients as well as decreasing the average length of stay through its “Cardiac Care Across the Continuum” program, which enhances the care of patients with heart failure.”
Nassau University Medical Center’s (NUMC) cardiology department implemented a comprehensive program to enhance the care of patients with heart failure (HF) during hospitalization through transition to home. An algorithm for diagnosing acute decompensated heart failure was developed, and identified patients are given extensive education on disease management. Patients are referred to a case manager/social worker and the transition of care team for additional services such as arranging for housing, transportation, and follow-up care to other disciplines. Once discharged, patients are called within 48 to 72 hours by NUMC’s heart failure nurse to assess general well-being, in addition to signs and symptoms of heart failure. The nurse practitioner sees patients postdischarge in the NUMC heart failure clinic and reinforces heart failure education at the initial and subsequent follow-up visits. NUMC’s focus on improving performance and patient outcomes in cardiovascular services is evident through a reduction in readmission rates from 29% to 27.5%.
Dr. Makaryus added: “We are delighted with the outcomes achieved and are grateful for administration’s support which is imperative for our successful heart failure program. Partnering with NUMC’s dedicated transitional care team is crucial for coordinating each individual’s specific needs and for providing for a seamless transition from hospital to home.”
ABOUT NUHEALTH
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life. Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community. By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.
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