Union Hospital recently earned the Advanced Joint Replacement Certification with Distinction through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

Accreditation is a process through which health care organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization's dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

ACHC certification confirms that Union Hospital provides high-quality care as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation – specifically in hip and knee replacement services. A national nonprofit organization with deeming authority from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), ACHC has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986.

"This accreditation is a true testament to the width and depth of our joint replacement program," Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Fern said. "It shows quality in all facets of joint replacements and is all encompassing – it's a very powerful representation of the quality parameters that we've met here at Union Hospital."

Requirements for obtaining joint certification are extremely rigorous. Joint certification is granted to programs that meet required standards and maintain performance in specific quality metrics related to the care of joint replacement patients. Achieving a joint certification is a result of years of preparation, process improvements, teamwork and collaboration between the surgeon and many different departments. It is about teamwork and building a culture of quality and safety.

"The fact that we are one of just a few nationally accredited, specifically in hip and knee replacement, really sets apart the program here at Union Health from others across the United States," Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael Meneghini said. "It really has to do with the care pathways, the results and the overall program that's in place to care for hip and knee replacement patients."

Union Health Orthopedics, in partnership with the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute, provides high-quality joint replacement services and patient-centered care with a patient satisfaction rating in the 98th percentile.

ACHC Joint Replacement Certification is recognized by BCBS Blue Distinction for both inpatient and outpatient programs.

For more information, visit myunionhealth.org, or to schedule an appointment with a joint specialist, call 812.242.3005.