Honors & Awards

Straight A’s for Hospital Leapfrog Safety Grade
(2020-2023)

Augusta Health earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

Healthgrades Ranks Augusta Health Among Top 3 in VA For Joint Replacement
Augusta Health announced today that it ranks among the top 3 in Virginia for Joint Replacement, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement and Augusta Health’s accomplishments as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement Award™ and an America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care Award™ recipient reflects Augusta Health’s commitment to delivering the best care possible. It distinguishes the organization as one of Virginia’s leading hospitals for Joint Replacement.

Accreditation Commission for Echocardiography & Vascular Sonography
We are happy to announce that Augusta Health Heart & Vascular department received reaccreditation from the Intersociety Accreditation Commission for Echocardiography & Vascular Sonography! Congratulations to our Heart and Vascular team members.

American Heart Association & American Stroke Association

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognizes Augusta Health’s commitment and success in using the Get With The Guidelines Target: Stroke and Target: Type 2 Diabetes programs, by applying the most up-to-date evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes in the community. Augusta Health has successfully implemented a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

• 2020 – Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll
• 2021 – Get With The Guidelines® – Gold Plus Stroke Elite Honor Roll / Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• 2022 – Get With The Guidelines® – Gold Plus Stroke Elite Honor Roll / Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• 2023 – Get With The Guidelines® – Gold Plus Stroke Elite Honor Roll / Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

DNV Advanced Shoulder Surgery Certification Accreditation (November 2023)

The DNV Advanced Shoulder Surgery Certification is designed to recognize excellence related to shoulder arthroplasty inclusive of inpatient, outpatient, and same-day elective joint replacement and revision surgical procedures. The focus of the certification encompasses orthopedic consultation, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care, through discharge. This advanced certification recognizes that an organization has demonstrated compliance with DNV Advanced Shoulder Surgery Certification Requirements.

The DNV Advanced Shoulder Surgery Certification Requirements are informed by the ERAS® Society Orthopaedic guidelines, the guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.

DNV Advanced Hip & Knee Replacement Certification Accreditation (November 2023)

The DNV Advanced Hip & Knee Replacement Certification is designed to recognize excellence in orthopedic surgery within the scope of hip and knee arthroplasty and related procedures inclusive of initial diagnostic services, surgical services, and therapies related to hip and knee replacement care. This advanced certification recognizes that an organization has demonstrated compliance with the DNV Advanced Hip & Knee Replacement Certification Requirements.

The DNV Advanced Hip and Knee Replacement Certification Requirements are informed by the ERAS® Society Orthopaedic guidelines, the guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines, and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.

DNV ISO Certification Accreditation (April 2023)

ISO 9001 is the most widely accepted quality management system worldwide and is quickly gaining acceptance among US healthcare providers as a foundation for their quality and patient safety programs.

ISO 9001 brings science to the art of caregiving; it helps to standardize processes around things that are proven to work, by the people doing the work, thus empowering frontline workers while creating an environment of predictability for the entire organization. The ultimate impact of ISO 9001 within hospitals is the reduction or elimination of variation, so that critical work processes are done consistently, and the “best ideas” aren’t held by one person or one department, but are ingrained in the organization itself.

DNV Hospital Accreditation   

The U.S Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires accreditation for hospitals seeking reimbursement for care provided to patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid. DNV’s accreditation program is based on the NIAHO (National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations) standards and ISO 9001 (International Organization for Standardization) clauses. Hospitals are surveyed annually and encouraged to openly share information about process improvement, quality, and safety as part of patient care.

DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification

Augusta Health is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV in partnership with the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. DNV is an international certification organization which evaluates a hospital’s stroke care and services provided annually by reviewing patient outcomes, care processes, care settings and clinical records. This certificate of distinction is awarded only to those programs that comply with the highest national standards for safety and quality of stroke diagnosis, treatment, and care. Certification is a voluntary process and is renewable every three years.

American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer (CoC)

Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders has earned full accreditation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a program of the American College of Surgeons. Our program is surveyed and fully accredited every three years. The CoC recognizes cancer care programs for their commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality, and multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. The CoC is dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care.  

 National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)

Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders has earned full accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Our program is surveyed and fully accredited every three years. Breast programs that are accredited by the NAPBC follow a model for organizing and managing a breast center to ensure multidisciplinary, integrated, comprehensive breast cancer services.

Radiation Oncology Accredited Facility by the American College of Radiology

Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders radiation oncology department has earned full accreditation from the American College of Radiology. Our Radiation Oncology Program undergoes evaluation of patient care, equipment, treatment-planning as well as patient-safety policies and quality control/quality assessment activities every three years. Radiation oncology (radiation therapy) is the careful use of high energy radiation to treat cancer. A Radiation Oncologist may use radiation to cure cancer or to relieve a cancer patient’s pain. 

American College of Cardiology Heart Failure Accreditation

Augusta Health has received full Heart Failure Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology for delivering excellent cardiovascular care. By achieving accreditation, we improve patient outcomes, streamline processes across departments, advance CMS quality-of-care-measures, and decrease hospitalizations with access to the outpatient Heart Failure Clinic. Accreditation is a voluntary process and renewable every three years.

American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) Accreditation

Augusta Health has received full Chest Pain with PCI Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive, high-quality culture and cardiovascular care. By achieving accreditation, we improve patient outcomes by reducing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, enhance EMS relationships, streamline processes across departments, and advance CMS quality-of-care-measures. Accreditation is a voluntary process and renewable every three years.

For more information on Early Heart Attack Care Education, click here

For more information on Hands Only CPR, click here

Ultrasound Accredited Facility by the American College of Radiology

Augusta Health has been awarded full accreditation in Ultrasound (US) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illness, injury, or other medical problems. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. Accreditation is awarded every three years.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Accredited Facility by the American College of Radiology

Augusta Health has been awarded full accreditation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. Accreditation is awarded every three years.

Nuclear Medicine Accredited Facility by the American College of Radiology

Augusta Health has been awarded full accreditation in Nuclear Medicine as the result of a review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. Accreditation is awarded every three years.

Computerized Tomography Accredited Facility by the American College of Radiology

Augusta Health has been awarded full accreditation in Computerized Tomography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). CT is a medical test that utilizes X-ray to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. Accreditation is awarded every three years.

Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology

Augusta Health has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy). Accreditation is awarded every three years.

Lung Cancer Screening by the American College of Radiology

The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

Mammography Accredited Facility by the American College of Radiology

Augusta Health has been awarded full accreditation mammography as the result of a review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Accreditation is awarded every three years.

College of American Pathologists (CAP) Laboratory Accreditation

The Augusta Health Laboratory is fully accredited by The College of American Pathologists (CAP). CAP is an accrediting agency recognized by CMS with the authority to inspect and accredit testing laboratories. CAP is the largest accrediting organization of board-certified pathologists that ensures the highest standard of care, quality and accuracy of laboratory medicine. The accreditation survey is a rigorous peer inspection program that thoroughly examines laboratory testing protocols, personnel qualifications, equipment, facilities, and overall management to ensure compliance with more than 3,000 regulatory standards. The CAP survey cycle is every two years.

Commission on Office Laboratory (COLA) Accreditation

The Augusta Health Urgent Care Laboratories are accredited by COLA. Similar to CAP, COLA is recognized by CMS with the authority to inspect and accredited testing laboratories. COLA surveyors partner with laboratories to help improve quality, efficiency and achieve regulatory compliance. The COLA survey cycle is every two years.

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Accreditation for Augusta Health School of Clinical Laboratory Science

The Augusta Health School of Clinical Laboratory Science is a one-year training program in Clinical Laboratory Science, enrolling up to eight students annually, consisting of over 1500 clock hours of instruction which is equivalent to 40 semester-credit hours. It is intended to provide didactic and practical instruction in the field of clinical laboratory science to prepare program graduates to sit for the national certification exam. Students are trained as generalists in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science through a combination of classroom, student lab, and clinical practicum experiences. The Augusta Health School of Clinical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

The School of Medical Laboratory Science is also certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The council authorizes education programs to operate in the state of Virginia and ensures compliance with Virginia regulations.

Exemplary Provider

Exemplary Provider®-accredited status is granted to those healthcare providers who demonstrate outstanding patient care practices and compliance to The Compliance Team’s comprehensive Safety-Honesty-Caring® quality standards.

The Compliance Team is the only accreditation organization that offers the Exemplary Provider® brand of accreditation and certification programs.

American Society of Clinical Oncology, Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)

Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders has earned full certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) Program. The QOPI Certification Program provides a three-year certification recognizing exemplary commitment to safety and quality in oncology patient care. The certification process creates a culture of excellence and self-examination that recognizes high-quality outpatient hematology-oncology practices.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence Program

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence Program recognizes a health care organization’s commitment to creating a positive practice environment that empowers and engages staff.

By investing in the optimum workplace for nurses, organizations demonstrate a culture of sustained excellence, resulting in the successful recruitment of top candidates and staff retention through high job satisfaction. Nurses are even empowered in the Pathway to Excellence application process itself; since frontline staff must validate that their experience with the organization meets the Pathway Standards – before designation can be achieved.