American Heart Association celebrates high-quality outpatient care
The American Heart Association (AHA) is celebrating more than 2,700 U.S. healthcare organizations for helping patients with their cardiovascular health. These groups serve nearly 45.5 million patients, working with them to manage their blood pressure, cholesterol and/or type 2 diabetes.
The recognition comes as part of the AHA’s Outpace CVD program. The goal is to put a spotlight on outpatient facilities where clinicians consistently provide high-quality care.
The AHA highlighted the efforts of outpatient care organizations in all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. More than 1,750 of the groups were recognized in more than one category.
“Many of the biggest opportunities to improve cardiovascular health begin in the outpatient setting,” Kevin Hwang, MD, volunteer chair of the AHA’s Outpatient Quality Improvement Advisory Group and medical director of the UT Health Physicians Internal Medicine – Texas Medical Center clinic, said in a statement. “Through Outpace CVD, care teams are applying evidence-based strategies that help patients better manage their cardiovascular risk factors.”
Nearly 2,700 organizations were recognized with Target: BP awards for improving the blood pressure of high-risk heart patients. In addition, nearly 1,000 organizations were recognized with Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol awards for helping patients with cholesterol and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factor management.
Finally, more than 1,700 organizations were recognized with Target: Type 2 Diabetes awards for using guideline-directed care to help patients with type 2 diabetes manage their symptoms and live long, healthy lives.
“Addressing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes is critical to improving cardiovascular health,” Hwang added. “These organizations are demonstrating how evidence-based care can improve cardiovascular health and patient outcomes.”
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.