The Joint Commission Certifies Atrium Health Pineville with Gold Seal of Approval for Spine Surgery
Atrium Health is home to three of 23 centers nationally to receive spine surgery distinction
CHARLOTTE, N.C., JULY 18, 2024 – Atrium Health Pineville was awarded certification of The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. Only 23 hospitals in the U.S. currently hold this prestigious designation in spine surgery. In addition to Atrium Health Pineville, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center was first certified in 2021 and recertified in 2023, and Atrium Health Cabarrus received the designation in 2022.
During the certification, Atrium Health Pineville and Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates teams underwent a rigorous, two-day, in-person site visit. The reviewer evaluated Atrium Health Pineville on the care coordination within the spine program, focused on the ability to have a high level of care focused on the surgical spine patient. Atrium Health Pineville was assessed on meeting patient needs through safe and accessible facilities, patient-specific therapy, evidence-based interventions and the patient’s involvement in care. The review highlighted the strong commitment to patient care by the leaders and staff in nursing, pre-operative care, the operating room, the post-anesthesia care unit, rehabilitation and other key teams within Atrium Health Pineville.
“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding care our teams at Atrium Health Pineville provide each day,” said Alicia Campbell, vice president and facility executive for Atrium Health Pineville. “Being certified by The Joint Commission is evidence of our commitment to providing our patients the highest quality of spine services and medical expertise in the greater Charlotte region.”
The gold seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. The independent, not-for-profit The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. In collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the certification focuses on the surgical flow process, beginning with the pre-surgical spine consultation through hospital admission, the surgery experience, rehabilitation activities and follow-up visits with the spine surgeon.
“Advanced certification in spine surgery recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing officer for The Joint Commission. “We commend Atrium Health Pineville for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher-quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
Atrium Health and Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates (CNSA) partnered in 2021 when they established SpineFirst to elevate the delivery of spine care. The goals of SpineFirst align with the high standards set by The Joint Commission for excellence in care coordination and a commitment to consistent communication across all spine care settings.
“This certification at our third SpineFirst facility highlights the depth and breadth of expertise that we provide through our SpineFirst partnership and the spine patients we are honored to serve,” said Dr. Paul Kim, executive medical director of SpineFirst. “I’m proud of the team at Atrium Health Pineville for achieving this well-earned recognition.”
The Joint Commission advanced certification in spine surgery requires its gold seal sites to be committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on decreased variation in care delivery. To maintain this certification, each center is required to submit quarterly outcome data and progress reviews and undergo a full review of services to ensure compliance every two years. The Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care professionals and providers, measurement experts and patients.
For more information about the Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, please visit The Joint Commission website.