Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Earns Joint Commission Certification For Total Hip and Knee Replacement

July 6, 2015

Holy Name Medical Center is honored to announce it has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® as a Center of Excellence for its Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Orthopedic Programs after a thorough review process. This designation as a Center of Excellence signifies an organization's commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.

Holy Name was awarded the Certification after members of the Joint Commission reviewed the hospital's lengthy application and performed a rigorous on-site survey on June 18.

"This Certification as a Center of Excellence recognizes the specialized care we provide to orthopedic patients at Holy Name," said Raphael Longobardi, MD, Chief of Orthopedics at Holy Name. "Our Total Hip and Knee Replacement Programs rank among the most innovative and advanced in the nation."

To earn the Certification, Holy Name implemented processes that are being followed with each patient that stretch beyond performing the medical procedure. Prior to surgery, patients are educated on what to expect. During and after the procedure, steps are taken to prevent post-op complications such as pneumonia and blood clots while intra- and post-operative measures maximize pain relief and help restore early function. Finally, an individualized discharge plan is created so patients can receive the appropriate follow-up care they may need.

"It was an arduous process but this ensures patients will have a smoother experience, from pre-admission through discharge," said Joan Piazza, BS, RN, BC, Holy Name's Total Joint Program Coordinator.

Holy Name offers some of the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery, including arthroscopy, minimally invasive fracture repairs, and spine surgery. Specialized services, such as specific joint replacements, cartilage regeneration, and complex reconstructive procedures are also available.

"It's a multi-disciplinary effort," said Sue Juliano, RN, MSN, a nursing administrator who worked on the certification process. "We've implemented the most current protocols to improve patient outcomes, reduce the length of stay and decrease complications."

Certification from the Joint Commission is awarded for a two-year period. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The entire process is repeated every two years to maintain certification.