MountainView receives prestigious accreditation

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized MountainView Regional Medical Center (MVRMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. MVRMC was reaccredited with the Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI  (CPCAPPCI) in June, based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients, who may be experiencing a heart attack.

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.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon, to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Hospitals that have earned ACC CPCAPPCI have proven exceptional competency 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 have streamlined their systems, from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment, all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.

Hospitals receiving CPCAPPCI from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, rigorous onsite review and monitoring for sustained success.

Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and administrative staff that support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“MVRMC is committed to making our heart care program the best it can be – and this means pursuing a path of continual improvement: ongoing evaluation of our clinical practices, and investing the latest tools, techniques and innovations,” said Derrick Cuenca, CEO of MVRMC. “When the people who live and work in Las Cruces and southern New Mexico think about quality heart care, we want them to think of MountainView Regional Medical Center. Especially now, when the recent pandemic has caused some to avoid seeking care when needed, we want you to know that we are taking extraordinary steps to keep you safe. So, please do not avoid seeking the care you need and deserve.”

CPCAPPCI accreditation also links MVRMC with other medical specialties and emergency services – such as EMS, emergency medicine and dispatch services in the area. These integrated relationships mean shorter response times, more seamless communication between emergency responders, and expedited treatment for cardiac patients – when minutes count.

MVRMC is one of a select number of hospitals, in the region, that carries CPCAPPCI.

MVRMC is a 168-bed facility that provides a broad range of healthcare services, including inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostic imaging and emergency, medical and surgical care.