Elkins, W.Va. – Tygart Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Davis Medical Center has achieved the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission.  The Certificates of Distinction for Joint Replacement Hip and Knee demonstrates commitment to the highest-level care and safety for patients.

“The patient is at the center of what we do,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Richard “Rhett” Topping, M.D.  “We evaluate and treat each patient as an individual while adhering to strict national standards to ensure the best outcomes.”

To achieve the distinction, the program underwent rigorous on-site review processes and evaluated compliance with disease-specific care standards for total hip and knee replacement.

“Performance measures are used to assess and compare our quality and safety in areas like early mobilization, return to surgery and postoperative infections,” Topping added. “We have long reported among the highest quality and safety rankings in the state. The Certificates of Distinction validate that our patients receive the highest level of quality care and orthopedic expertise when undergoing total hip or knee replacement.”

A multi-disciplinary team coordinated the application for certification.

“Successful certification requires intense data collection and analysis of processes related to all aspects of joint replacement care,” said Julie Fleming, P.T.

Fleming, who led the certification process, said the team was comprised of individuals from nursing, orthopedic surgeons, administration, quality and risk management, clinical directors, inpatient and surgical services directors, case management, preadmissions, nursing education, dietitians, physical therapy, infection prevention, and anesthesiology.

“A multi-disciplinary approach to joint replacement ensures better outcomes for our patients,” Fleming added.   “Fewer complications, better pain management, and a comprehensive discharge and therapy plan aids in patient recovery and their return to an active lifestyle.”

“We are extremely proud of this achievement,” Julie Phillips, Davis Health System Director of Quality and Risk Management said. “This is a nationally recognized distinction that shows our commitment to holding ourselves to a high bar for our patients.”