C.R. boasts two top 100 hospitals

Congratulations, Cedar Rapids. You have access to some of the best health care in the country, right here in your city. No need to travel outside of Cedar Rapids, because our community is home to two 100 Top Hospitals. That’s an impressive feat since the hospitals in Cedar Rapids were the only two in the state to make this national list. It’s like having the Hawkeyes and Cyclones winning the Big Ten and Big 12 championships in the same year. It’s a point of pride. A big deal and a whole lot to cheer for.

Your Cedar Rapids Hospitals received this prestigious national recognition from PINC AI, ™ a leader in health care information. Every year PINC AI extensively studies hospital data — evaluating nearly 3,000 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals in the United States. They take a deep dive into how well we are doing with keeping patients safe, making sure they don’t stay too long in the hospital, and whether patients like their care, among other important data points.

Since 1993, 100 Top Hospitals recognition has been considered the gold standard in health care ratings. This national recognition is a big deal in the hospital world. What makes this honor even more special is that hospitals do not apply to receive this honor, and we don’t have to pay to advertise that we earned this recognition.

What does being named a top hospital mean? And why should you care?

It means winners of the 100 Top Hospital program delivered better patient outcomes, while operating more efficiently and at a lower cost. Here are some other important statistics according to PINC AI — 100 Top Hospitals had:

• 31 percent fewer deaths than nonwinning hospitals.

• 9 percent fewer patients with complications.

• 39 percent fewer health care associated infections (HAIs).

• Nearly 20 percent lower inpatient expenses per discharge

• 0.5-day shorter average length of stay.

• Better reported patient experience scores.

The 100 Top Hospitals program plays a crucial role in highlighting and rewarding excellence in health care delivery, promoting improvements across the industry, and ultimately benefiting patients and communities by raising the standard of care and efficiency in hospitals.

Many hospitals are struggling financially post-COVID. While sustaining a solid workforce remains a challenge, there seems to be some leveling out. Supply chain issues are stabilizing, and patients are returning for routine care.

The future looks bright in Cedar Rapids and the care we deliver serves as a role model for the nation. Our community and patients can be confident in their health care choices right here at home including that of our health care partners like Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa and the Nassif Community Cancer Center. Our doctors, nurses, clinical and support services team members, board members, and volunteers are constantly working to improve care — seeing them rewarded is extremely satisfying. This recognition belongs to them.

Thank you, Cedar Rapids’ health care workers for all you do to continuously raise the bar and deliver exceptional health care in our community.

Casey Greene is Cedar Rapids market president for UnityPoint Health.