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Huntington Hospital Earns CM S 5- Star Rating

Huntington Hospital Achieves Prestigious 5-Star Rating from CMS

In a significant milestone for healthcare quality in Long Island, Huntington Hospital has been awarded a coveted 5-star overall rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This top-tier recognition places the hospital among an elite group of medical facilities nationwide, underscoring its commitment to exceptional patient care, safety, and outcomes. The rating, part of CMS's Hospital Compare program, evaluates hospitals based on a comprehensive set of metrics that reflect real-world performance in treating patients.

The CMS 5-star rating system is designed to help consumers make informed decisions about where to seek medical care. It assesses hospitals on up to 57 quality measures across five key categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. These measures are derived from data collected over several years, including patient surveys, clinical outcomes, and administrative records. A 5-star rating indicates that a hospital performs significantly better than the national average in most areas, with lower rates of complications, infections, and unexpected readmissions. Nationally, only about 10% of hospitals achieve this highest rating, making Huntington Hospital's accomplishment particularly noteworthy.

Huntington Hospital, a member of Northwell Health, has long been a cornerstone of healthcare in the Huntington community and surrounding areas. Located in Huntington, New York, the 371-bed facility offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, maternity services, and specialized treatments in cardiology, oncology, and neurology. This latest accolade builds on the hospital's history of excellence, which includes previous recognitions for stroke care, joint replacement, and patient safety. Hospital leaders attribute the 5-star rating to a relentless focus on evidence-based practices, staff training, and patient-centered initiatives.

Dr. Nick Fitterman, executive director of Huntington Hospital, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that it reflects the dedication of the entire team. "This rating is a testament to the hard work of our physicians, nurses, and support staff who go above and beyond every day to provide the highest quality care," he said. "We're committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that our patients receive the best possible outcomes." Similarly, a spokesperson for Northwell Health highlighted the system's investment in technology and training, which has helped elevate performance across its network of hospitals.

Delving deeper into the specifics, Huntington Hospital excelled in several critical areas. In terms of patient experience, as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, the hospital scored highly on communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and overall hospital environment. Patients frequently praised the cleanliness of rooms, the quietness at night, and the clarity of discharge instructions, all of which contribute to higher satisfaction rates. On the safety front, the hospital demonstrated low rates of hospital-acquired conditions such as infections from central lines or surgical sites, as well as effective prevention of falls and pressure ulcers.

Mortality and readmission metrics also shone brightly. For conditions like heart attacks, heart failure, and pneumonia, Huntington Hospital's survival rates surpassed national benchmarks, indicating superior management of acute illnesses. Readmission rates, which track how often patients return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge for the same condition, were notably lower than average, suggesting effective post-discharge planning and follow-up care. In the realm of timely and effective care, the hospital performed well in areas like sepsis management, where prompt administration of antibiotics and fluids can be life-saving, and in emergency department throughput, ensuring patients receive care without unnecessary delays.

This rating is especially meaningful in the context of New York's competitive healthcare landscape. While many hospitals in the state hover around 3 or 4 stars, Huntington's 5-star status sets it apart from peers in Suffolk County and even some in Nassau County. For comparison, nearby facilities like Southside Hospital in Bay Shore or Stony Brook University Hospital have earned solid ratings but not the full 5 stars in recent evaluations. Nationally, the CMS data shows that urban and teaching hospitals often face challenges in achieving top marks due to higher patient volumes and complexity, yet Huntington has managed to excel despite serving a diverse population with varying healthcare needs.

The implications for the local community are profound. Residents of Huntington, Melville, Commack, and other nearby towns can take comfort in knowing they have access to a hospital that meets the highest standards of quality. This rating can influence everything from insurance reimbursements to patient choices, as Medicare beneficiaries often use these scores to select providers. Moreover, it positions Huntington Hospital as a leader in attracting top medical talent, which in turn enhances service offerings. For instance, the hospital's recent expansions in robotic surgery and telehealth services are likely bolstered by this recognition, promising even better care in the future.

Beyond the numbers, the 5-star rating speaks to broader themes in healthcare. In an era where patient safety and value-based care are paramount, especially post-pandemic, hospitals like Huntington are setting examples of how to integrate quality improvement into daily operations. Initiatives such as multidisciplinary rounds, where doctors, nurses, and pharmacists collaborate on patient plans, and the use of electronic health records to flag potential errors, have been instrumental. Community outreach programs, including health screenings and education on chronic disease management, also play a role in preventing hospitalizations and improving overall health metrics.

Looking ahead, Huntington Hospital plans to build on this success. Leaders have outlined goals to maintain and exceed current performance levels, with a focus on emerging areas like mental health integration and equitable care for underserved populations. As CMS continues to refine its rating methodology—potentially incorporating new measures on social determinants of health—the hospital is poised to adapt and thrive.

In summary, Huntington Hospital's 5-star CMS rating is more than just an award; it's a validation of years of effort to prioritize patient well-being. For the Huntington community, it means access to world-class care right at home, fostering trust and confidence in local healthcare. As one of only a select few in the nation to achieve this honor, the hospital stands as a beacon of excellence, inspiring others to aim higher in the pursuit of superior medical outcomes. This achievement not only celebrates past successes but also paves the way for continued innovation and improvement in healthcare delivery. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-york/huntington/huntington-hospital-earns-cms-5-star-rating-0 ]