Cape Fear Valley Receives National Accreditation For Hip And Knee Surgery

FAYETTEVILLE – Cape Fear Valley's joint replacement program has been honored once again.

The Joint Commission awarded the health system two Gold Seals of ApprovalTM for healthcare quality in the areas of Total Knee replacement surgery and Total Hip replacement surgery. The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit national organization that certifies and accredits more than 1,800 hospitals and medical facilities in the U.S.

Cape Fear Valley’s Gold Seals of ApprovalTM were announced Oct. 29 after an extensive, on-site review by the Joint Commission in September. The review covered Cape Fear Valley's surgical capability, performance improvement measures, and staff clinical competency to ensure both programs meet national guidelines and clinical practice recommendations.

"This certification means Cape Fear Valley does the right things and does them well for Total Hip and Total Knee surgery patients," said Cape Fear Valley CEO Mike Nagowski.

Fewer than 100 hospitals in the U.S. have been awarded the Total Knee and Total Hip Gold Seals of Approval by The Joint Commission. In 2009, there were 872 Total Knee and Hip replacements performed at Cape Fear Valley.

Hip and knee replacement patients at Cape Fear Valley participate in the health system's innovative Race to Recovery rehabilitation program. It allows patients to recover quicker by participating in group physical therapy.

Douglas McFarlane, M.D., an orthopedic specialist with Cape Fear Orthopaedic Clinic, has served as the physician champion for the Race to Recovery program. He said receiving The Joint Commission accreditation is a rare accomplishment for any hospital.

"This allows us to say we're a center of excellence," Dr. McFarlane said. "WakeMed in Raleigh, nor UNC Hospitals or FirstHealth in Pinehurst has the certifications at this point."

In 2009, Cape Fear Valley was designated a Blue Distinction CenterSM for Hip and Knee surgery by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Blue Distinction® is a designation awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality healthcare. The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based criteria established by expert physicians and medical organization recommendations.