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Baptist Recognized With Chest Pain Accreditation

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HUNTINGDON (April 11) — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County was recently recognized with the prestigious Chest Pain Accreditation by the American College of Cardiology.
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Accreditation have demonstrated exceptional competency in treating patients with chest pain, according to the ACC. The hospital has streamlined its systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care.
“We are so honored that our facility was chosen for this notable distinction,” said Susan Breeden, CEO and administrator of Baptist Carroll County. “It is a testament to our exceptional staff, who have worked tirelessly to create and refine a high standard of care.”
Breeden noted that while the hospital offers a gamut of cardiac services, including chest pain observation care, outpatient stress testing and telecardiology services provided by Stern Cardiology, patients who come to the emergency room who are actively having a heart attack are stabilized and transferred via ambulance or helicopter to the nearest facility that provides heart catherization lab services.

“Our team is extremely skilled at recognizing both typical and atypical symptoms of a heart attack,” Breeden said.
According to Breeden, acquiring Chest Pain accreditation is part of a growing effort to increase the hospital’s emergency department and acute care capabilities. Other cardiac services include cardiac rehab, chest pain observation care, outpatient stress testing and telecardiology services provided by Stern Cardiology.
Breeden said that many residents are not aware of the hospital’s telemedicine capabilities, a critical component of care for most rural health care facilities. Telemedicine works by using technology, such as cameras and computers, to connect the hospital’s care team to specialists who can evaluate the patient and recommend a plan of care. Patients benefit by gaining access to specialized care close to home, and physicians benefit by having an easy and efficient way to better care for their patients.
In the case of telecardiology, the telemedicine cart is placed in the patient’s room and is outfitted with a special camera that can zoom in and out to check patient’s pupils and vital signs, such as breathing and heart sounds. Once the consult is complete, the cardiologist will recommend a plan of care for the patient.

Baptist, Chest Pain