Freeman Health Essentials Again Earns Highest Mark of Quality

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - Freeman Health Essentials Again Earns Highest Mark of Quality
Joplin, Mo.—Freeman Health Essentials, a home medical equipment and service provider for the Four State area, has once again earned accreditation from the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation (HQAA). This honor is achieved only when a medical equipment provider demonstrates a high level of quality in all business operations and services. Health Essentials first earned the three-year accreditation in 2012, and has now earned re-accreditation for another three-year period. Health Essentials completed a comprehensive review process that focused on meeting quality standards, as well as a commitment to quality operational practices and procedures in the areas of financial stability, human resource training, patient care, delivery services, billing practices, and maintenance of products and equipment. 

Accreditation by HQAA assures Medicare and other health payers that Health Essentials maintains the highest levels of quality within all areas of business.  

“The staff of Freeman Health Essentials is excited to once again receive this distinction from HQAA. This accreditation demonstrates Freeman Health Essentials’ ongoing commitment to providing quality products in the safest and most efficient manner possible,” said Melinda Brown, Director of Durable Medical Services for Freeman Health System.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid deemed HQAA an authority to accredit home medical equipment providers. HQAA’s interactive design is specifically aimed at the durable medical equipment industry, providing a targeted approach to accreditation and quality improvement. 

Freeman Health Essentials, located at 1130 East 32nd Street in Joplin and at 336 South Jefferson Street in Neosho, offers a full line of home medical equipment, supplies, and services to help clients remain independent and in their own homes longer. Patients will find a full line of medical products, including wheelchairs, lift chairs, portable oxygen systems, scooters, lifts and ramps, and wound care and ostomy supplies. All Health Essentials products are designed and chosen based on quality, ease of use, and benefit to the patient. 

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2014, Freeman earned 90 individual awards for medical excellence and safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman #1 Hospital in Southwest Missouri in 2014-15, and The Leapfrog Group gave Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo. #FreemanTurns90