Ascension Providence awarded Transcatheter Valve Certification

Ascension Providence has been recognized by The American College of Cardiology (ACC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in the treatment of patients receiving transcatheter replacement procedures. Ascension Providence was awarded the Transcatheter Valve Certification in December 2020 based on evaluation of its staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance.

The ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review and certification process that pairs with established national clinical databases to monitor patient safety and real-world outcomes related to transcatheter valve therapies. Participation in established national clinical databases such as the STS/ACC TVT Registry is required for hospitals interested in achieving Transcatheter Valve Certification.

The certification uses established national clinical measures to support clinical decisions and links process improvement to patient outcomes. Hospitals that achieve Transcatheter Valve Certification learn best practices for implementing evidence-based medicine to support patient-centered decision making and can track key performance metrics to better identify opportunities for improvement.

“Ascension Providence has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Waco community with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Ascension Providence with the Transcatheter Valve Certification.”

Ascension Providence has remained focused on developing a comprehensive structural heart program since 2011. In 2018, Ascension Providence launched the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) program as the only TAVR program in Waco in partnership with Waco Cardiology Associates.

“Ascension Providence has been committed to improving the heart health of Central Texans for many years, and generations of patients have entrusted their heart health to Ascension Providence,” said Dr. Brian Barnett, associate medical director of the Structural Heart Program at Ascension Providence. “We’re proud of this achievement and the team of professionals who truly take the health of their patients to heart.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Ascension Providence access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including transcatheter valve therapies.