The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients with chest pain, awarding the hospital the prestigious Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI. This accreditation follows a rigorous onsite evaluation of PMC’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients experiencing heart attacks.
The accreditation recognizes PMC’s ability to provide immediate and comprehensive care for heart attack patients, including Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), a non-surgical procedure that relieves symptoms of heart disease and reduces heart damage during or after a heart attack. With 24/7 availability of this life-saving procedure, PMC meets the highest standards for emergency heart attack treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competencies in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols. They are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a “No Diversion Policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
“Pikeville Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Eastern Kentucky with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award PMC with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”
The accreditation process includes a multifaceted clinical approach involving a thorough gap analysis, review of care practices, development of an action plan, on-site review and sustained monitoring. This process helps hospitals streamline procedures, implement guidelines and best practices, and improve patient outcomes.
“I am excited to share that we have successfully been awarded the Chest Pain with PCI accreditation from the ACC,” said Cardiac Accreditation/Certification Outcomes APRN Jamessa Scott. “I am deeply appreciative of the exceptional team at PMC. Our steadfast commitment to our patients sets us apart, and I am proud to be a part of this team.”
Pikeville Medical Center has consistently received this accreditation over the years, demonstrating ongoing dedication to improving heart care for the community.
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Pikeville Medical Center access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.
