Freeman Recognized by National Publication

Freeman Health System was recognized by “Becker’s Hospital Review” as being tied for fifth in the nation and is among the top 36 hospitals with the lowest 30-day readmission rates for hip and knee replacement surgery. Information for the list was compiled from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and represents data from July 2012 through June 2015.

According to Becker’s, all hospitals on the list have a 30-day readmission rate for hip and knee replacement of 3.4 or lower. Freeman had a readmission rate of 3 during that time – the national average is 4.6.

“Our team of orthopaedic specialists works together to provide the best possible outcomes,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “We want to help our patients get well by delivering the right care at the right time, the first time they come through our doors.”

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, knee and hip replacements are among the fastest-growing medical treatments in the United States. By 2030, it is expected that more than three million total knee replacements and 500,000 total hip replacements will be performed annually in the U.S. The procedures are a safe and effective way to help relieve pain and increase mobility.

“Freeman’s experience in joint surgery lessens the likelihood of a preventable readmission. This includes surgical skill and expertise in pain management,” said Dr. David Black, Freeman Orthopaedic Surgeon. “Medical, nursing, physical therapy, and pain and case management staff all work together to provide exceptional care in the hospital and through the transition to rehabilitation or home.”

Freeman orthopaedic physicians use the most advanced techniques, including digital diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgeries to provide cutting-edge treatments, procedures and services. Additionally, Freeman offers the most experienced clinicians and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation therapy and inpatient physical rehabilitation services.

For 2017, Carechex® ranked Freeman’s hip fracture repair among the Top 100 in the nation, Top 10 percent in the nation, Top 10 percent in the region, #1 in the state, Top 10 percent in the state and #1 in the market for patient safety. CareChex, one of the nation’s largest privately-held healthcare quality-rating systems, help patients evaluate the quality of inpatient care using a patent-pending quality scoring system, which integrates the most reliable quality indicators available in the industry into a single, multi-dimensional, composite score and rating.

Additionally, Freeman received recognition for its commitment to patient safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent industry watchdog and leading healthcare performance measurement organization. Leapfrog awarded Freeman an “A” grade in the Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015 and Fall 2016 Fall Hospital Safety Score, acknowledging Freeman’s success in protecting patients from errors, injuries and infections.

About Freeman Health System
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. For 2017, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman one of the top Hospitals in Southwest Missouri more than four years in a row, and The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2016 Hospital Patient 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.