The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized UPMC Altoona for its commitment to a comprehensive high-quality culture and cardiovascular care. The HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence is awarded based on meeting accreditation criteria and through the hospital’s ongoing performance registry reporting.

The HeartCARE Center designation is the highest level of excellence recognized by the ACC. UPMC Altoona is the first hospital in the UPMC system to be awarded such a designation — only three other facilities in Pennsylvania are recognized as HeartCARE Centers. The designations are reviewed and awarded annually to ensure that all facilities continue to meet the criteria of a highly regarded and sustainable quality improvement program. altoona heartCARE

“Delivering revolutionary, top-rated comprehensive cardiovascular care that our patients need and deserve is of utmost importance for us as health care professionals,” said George Jabbour, M.D., medical director, cardiac catheterization laboratory at UPMC Altoona. “It’s through the commitment and dedication of our staff at UPMC Altoona and UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute that makes this recognition of lifesaving care a reality.”

For a hospital and health system to earn an ACC HeartCARE Center designation, the facility is required to participate in at least two ACC Accreditation Services programs, input outcome data into the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) and conduct targeted quality improvement campaigns. UPMC Altoona is accredited through the ACC as a chest pain center for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with resuscitation, cardiac catheterization lab with PCI and electrophysiology.

“The HeartCARE Center designation is a testament to UPMC Altoona’s commitment to providing high-quality, cardiovascular care to the members of our community and west central Pennsylvania,” said Tiffany Tomlinson, R.N., B.S.N., M.H.A., clinical director, cardiac catheterization laboratory at UPMC Altoona. “Complete, world-class heart care is located right here in our neighborhood — close to home — all thanks to our staff for their hard work and quality initiatives.”