News Room
MEMPHIS, TN- August 15, 2007 Memphis Heart Clinic ( MHC ) is pleased to announce that 7 of its cardiologists practicing in TN and MS were recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Physician Recognition Program for Heart/Stroke Care. This 3-year recognition was awarded for excellence in cardiac care. The NCQA Heart/Stroke Recognition Program was created in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in an effort to improve the quality care for patients with cardiovascular disease and/or stroke.
According to Joseph Samaha, MD, President, Memphis Heart Clinic, “NCQA recognition is a stringent process, and we are fortunate to have 7 of our physicians meet these criteria. Implementing quality interventions is a continuous practice, and a way to measure this goal is through NCQA recognition. We are in the process of submitting other eligible physicians for recognition. Our goal is to provide each patient with comprehensive care utilizing the highest standards.” Obtaining this distinguished recognition ranks Memphis Heart Clinic physicians with a select number of physicians nationwide demonstrating excellence in cardiac care.
NCQA’s Heart/Stroke Recognition Program was established to recognize the quality of physician care for persons with cardiovascular disease or who have experienced a stroke. These measurements are based on five criteria:
- Blood Pressure Control – having a systolic BP of less than 140mmHg
- Smoking Cessation and Education on Treatment
- Complete lipid profile
- LDL Cholesterol Control- Less than 100mgdl
- Use of aspirin or another antithrombotic
Controlling risk factors such as these can improve the length and quality of life for patients. According to NCQA, more than 60 million Americans have cardiovascular disease or have suffered a stroke. Combined, the two conditions are the leading causes of death in the United States.
About Memphis Heart Clinic
Memphis Heart Clinic is a state-of-the-art cardiovascular center specializing in consultative and interventional cardiology including peripheral vascular intervention and electrophysiology. Established in 1998, Memphis Heart Clinic’s founders, recognized leaders in cardiovascular medicine for over 25 years, joined together to form a cardiology center of excellence. Today, Memphis Heart Clinic’s 13 cardiologists are recognized as innovative leaders in cardiovascular medicine, providing personalized comprehensive care throughout its offices in Memphis, Covington, and Southaven.
About National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and recognizes physicians in key clinical areas. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information through the Web, media and data licensing agreements in order to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices. For more information, visit www.ncqa.org.