Atrium Health Cabarrus Continues to Lead in Spine Care with Prestigious Recertification from The Joint Commission

Only 29 hospitals across the U.S. hold the elite designation

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 18, 2024 – Atrium Health Cabarrus has again been recognized as a Spine Surgery Center of Excellence by The Joint Commission, earning the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® for the second consecutive year. This recognition, held by only 29 hospitals across the country, reflects Atrium Health Cabarrus’ efforts to provide the highest level of spine care.

“Being able to offer this level of care close to home is a significant benefit to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Byron Branch, spine program medical director at Atrium Health Cabarrus. “This achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our surgical, nursing, and rehabilitation teams at Cabarrus, who work collaboratively to ensure exceptional care and outcomes for our spine patients.”

The recertification followed a comprehensive two-day review by The Joint Commission, which evaluated the hospital on several critical measures. Atrium Health Cabarrus earned high marks for:

• Safe, patient-centered care: The hospital’s facilities, equipment maintenance, and patient safety focus create an ideal recovery environment.
• Infection prevention: Sterilization protocols and adherence to evidence-based practices significantly reduce the risk of surgical infections.
• Medication management: The hospital’s precise processes ensure patients receive safe, effective treatment from pre-surgery assessments to post-surgery pain control.
• Patient outcomes: Lower complication rates, quicker recovery times, and high patient satisfaction.

“Excellence in patient care is built on continuous innovation and a deep commitment to quality,” said Sarah Bender, leader of the Southeast Region Spine Center of Excellence for Atrium Health. “Achieving our second consecutive Gold Seal of Approval at Atrium Health Cabarrus is a tremendous honor, but our work does not stop here. This recertification is a testament to this amazing team's unwavering focus, dedication, and collaboration every day.”

The recertification also places Atrium Health Cabarrus among the distinguished ranks with two other Atrium Health SpineFirst facilities, a comprehensive program designed to establish a strong foundation for spine care through education, innovation, and collaboration. Atrium Health Pineville earned certification earlier this year, while Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center was recertified in 2023.

“By reaching this milestone, Atrium Health continues to set the national standard for spine care, driven by exceptional outcomes, a collaborative approach, and innovative practices," said Dr. Claude “T” Moorman, president of Atrium Health’s Musculoskeletal Institute. “Our goal is to deliver the highest level of care while making sure it’s easily accessible to patients in their own communities.”Spine First's goals align with the Joint Commission's high standards for excellence in care coordination and a commitment to consistent communication across all spine care settings.

“The intentional leadership and community commitment at Atrium Health Cabarrus serves as a chance to showcase the exceptional spine care program we've built at Cabarrus,” said Asha Rodriguez, facility executive at Atrium Health Cabarrus. “Our success is a direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and continuous improvement among our team, along with our valued partners at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates.”

For more information about the Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, please visit The Joint Commission website. 

About Atrium Health  
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing nearly $3 billion in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits in 2023.