How Does Research Medical Center Compare in Heart Care?

What are Core Measures?

Core measures are a set of care processes which were initially developed by The Joint Commission, the accrediting body responsible for setting standards for healthcare. The purpose of these standards is to improve the quality of healthcare by implementing a national, standardized performance measurement system. These measures will now be used  by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for reimbursement because the evidence has supported the theory that by using these  measures, there is reduced risk of complications, prevention of recurrences and otherwise standardized treatment for better patient care.

Comparing Performance

Hospitals across the country have been measured and compared by The Joint Commission on its performance in these Core Measures. This data “lags” so that all facilities can be compared equally across time. The information is posted to the Joint Commission website and the www.cms.gov website, on hospital compare. 

What are each of the Core Measures?

There are four categories (acute myocardial infarction, community-acquired pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and surgical care improvement project). Under each category, key actions are listed that represent the most widely accepted, research-based care process for appropriate care.

What are Core Measures and Why are They Important?

• In 1999 the Joint Commission (a governing body that accredits healthcare institutions) created a Cardiovascular Conditions Clinical Advisory Panel in a quest for “core” measures of hospital care.
• A Core Measure is an evidenced-based performance measure that is a process measure (how care is provided). 
• In 2001, the Joint Commission announced an expansion to four of these “core measures” which are: acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care improvement. 
• The Joint Commission partnered with CMS and this became the basis for the 7th Scope of Work and for accreditation of hospitals. 
• Hospitals started collecting data on July 1, 2002. 
• In November 2003, CMS and the Joint Commission agreed on one common set of measure specifications. 
• Healthcare facilities must meet the four measures to be in compliance with both organizations. 
• 70 percent of the reimbursement from CMS to hospitals will center on meeting these measures. 
• For Joint Commission accreditation after January 2012, healthcare facilities must achieve at least an 85 percent compliance on 22 of these measures in order to pass its accreditation. 

Everyone plays a role in helping their organization to achieve this level of success. We owe it to ourselves and to our patients.

"No Excuses. Get Screened."

According to the American Cancer Society, screening exams for early breast cancer detection—before they start to cause symptoms—is one of the best ways to fight the disease. Midwest Breast Care, a service of HCA Midwest Health System—the largest healthcare network in Kansas City—is marking the 26th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by emphasizing the importance of early detection through its “No Excuses. Get Screened.” campaign.

Goppert-Trinity Family Care

Since 1974, Goppert-Trinity Family Care has served Kansas City families from its location at the Research Brookside Campus. Thousands of patients depend on Goppert-Trinity Family Care each year to meet their family's healthcare needs. Call (816) 276-7600 to schedule your appointment today!

Rick Brown, MD, FACC, Joins Midwest Heart Associates

Rick Brown, MD, FACC, has joined Midwest Heart Associates and the medical staff of Research Medical Center and Research Belton Hospital. Dr. Brown has 13 years experience providing care for cardiovascular patients in the Kansas City area. 

Dr. Brown practices as an invasive, non-interventional cardiologist. Clinical skills include pacemaker and device implantation, nuclear cardiology, transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography, isation, advanced lipid management, and preventative cardiology. Dr. Brown received his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center where he also completed his internal medicine residency and cardiovascular fellowship.  

The addition of Dr. Brown will allow Dr. Carrie Totta to serve the Cass/Harrisonville community on a full-time basis. Dr. Totta will also provide back-up for Dr. Brown in the Belton area. This deployment will enhance cardiovascular services and quality for both markets.

Dr. Brown is now accepting new patients. To schedule a patient appointment, call:

• Research Medical Center Location - (816) 276-4800 
• Research Belton Hospital Multi-Specialty Clinic - (816) 348-1291

Jessica Mowry, MD, Joins Brookside Family Medical Group

Jessica Mowry, MD, has recently joined Brookside Family Medical Group. Specializing in obstetrics, including prenatal care, labor management, postpartum and newborn care, Dr. Mowry provides the full scope of medicine for the entire family.

She received her medical degree at the Medical School for International Health - Ben Gurion University in Israel and served her residency through the Research Family Medicine Residency program.

Dr. Mowry is accepting new patients and accepts all major insurance plans. Call (816) 276-6405 to schedule an appointment. 

Julie Wood, MD, Elected to American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors

Julie K. Wood, MD, FAAFP, a family physician in Kansas City, Mo., has been elected to the board of directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The AAFP represents 100,300 physicians and medical students nationwide. Wood was elected to a three-year term by the AAFP’s governing body, the Congress of Delegates.

As a board member of the AAFP, Wood will advocate on behalf of family physicians and patients nationwide to inspire positive change in the U.S. healthcare system.

Wood has been a practicing family physician for nearly 20 years. She is currently in practice as associate director of Research Family Medicine Residency Program in Kansas City, Mo., where she is especially involved in the maternity care curriculum and serves as the medical director of Goppert-Trinity Family Care, a 55-provider outpatient clinic. Wood is the physician lead for their clinic’s involvement in a multi-center patient-centered medical home pilot project and is especially enthusiastic about training physicians how to practice in the medical home.

A member of the AAFP since 1988, Wood has served on numerous committees and commissions, including the Commission on Public Health and Science, the Commission on Health Care Services, the Commission on Membership and Member Services, and the Committee for Special Constituencies. She most recently served as chair of the Commission on Public Health and Science.

A member of the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians since 1988, Wood has held numerous positions on the board of directors, including a term as president. She currently serves as the chapter’s delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates and also serves on the Missouri AFP Education Committee. Wood also served as the chair of VIGOR (Volunteers Investigating Growth Opportunities and Restructuring), a committee to revitalize and strategically plan for the future of the Missouri AFP.

Throughout her career, Wood has been active in promoting and spreading awareness concerning breastfeeding. She currently serves on the AAFP’s Breastfeeding Advisory Committee and represents the AAFP to the United States Breastfeeding Committee.

Wood earned her undergraduate degree and her medical degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Wood then completed her residency at Via Christi-St. Francis Family Medicine Residency Program in Wichita, Kan. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has the AAFP Degree of Fellow, an earned degree awarded to family physicians for distinguished service and continuing medical education.