Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center Recognized for Excellence with ACC Electrophysiology Accreditation

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) recently recognized Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to its electrophysiology (EP) lab for care. Jersey Shore is only the second New Jersey hospital to be awarded EP Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who come to the EP lab. The academic medical center has also achieved the ACC’s most prestigious recognition HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence.

“I’m extremely proud of our cardiologists and cardiovascular teams’ wonderful dedication to providing the best care to each and every patient who comes through our doors,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

EP labs provide care for patients with arrhythmias (an abnormality in the timing or pattern of the heartbeat) and may employ treatments such as cardiac ablation and implantable devices such as pacemakers, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

“Jersey Shore University Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Monmouth and Ocean counties with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Jersey Shore with Electrophysiology Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving EP Accreditation 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; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of EP lab patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.

“Jersey Shore UMC is truly one of our state’s leading medical centers for world-class cardiovascular care,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “The academic medical center is one of only five hospitals in the nation to achieve all ACC accreditations.” JSUMC’s accreditations include EP, Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, Cardiac Cath Lab with PCI, Heart Failure with Outpatient Services, and Transcatheter Valve Certification.

Hackensack University Medical Center is on track to also receive EP Accreditation from the ACC in the future. For information about EP services, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/heart-care/electrophysiology. For a free physician referral, call 844-HMH-WELL.