Northern Arizona VA Health Care System Receives 5 Stars in independent, nationwide health care quality review

The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS) announced on Monday that for the second consecutive year, it has received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This achievement underscores the commitment of NAVAHCS to providing top-notch health care services to veterans across the region.

Comprehensive Quality Measures

The 5-star rating is awarded based on the performance of NAVAHCS in various quality measures. These measures include mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Each category is evaluated to ensure that NAVAHCS meets or exceeds national standards. The high rating indicates that NAVAHCS has consistently demonstrated excellence in these key areas, which are crucial for ensuring the best possible health outcomes for veterans.

Patient Safety and Satisfaction

Patient safety and satisfaction are vital components of the NAVAHCS quality strategy. The system has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at improving patient experience and ensuring that veterans receive the best care. One of the key factors contributing to the high rating is the exceptional patient satisfaction scores. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, which is used to measure patient satisfaction, has shown that NAVAHCS consistently outperforms other health care providers.

Community Outreach and Support

Beyond providing exceptional health care services, NAVAHCS is deeply committed to supporting the community and veterans' families. The system operates across multiple locations, including the Bob Stump VA Medical Center in Prescott and 11 community-based outpatient clinics. These facilities offer a wide range of health care services, from primary care to specialized treatments, ensuring that veterans have access to the care they need.

Training and Research

As a teaching hospital, NAVAHCS plays a crucial role in training the next generation of health care professionals. The Bob Stump VA Medical Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers professional training in major medical and surgical specialties. This training helps ensure that the best medical practices are implemented throughout the health care system.

Leadership and Commitment

The leadership at NAVAHCS has been instrumental in driving the system's performance and commitment to quality. Medical Center Director Steve Sample has emphasized the importance of providing the best care to every veteran who walks through their doors. Sample has expressed pride in the 5-star rating and thanked the community and veterans for their support. He also acknowledged that there is always room for improvement and that the system will continue to work hard to deliver world-class care to every veteran, every time.

Comparison with Non-VA Health Care Facilities

The CMS quality ratings also highlight the superior performance of VA health care facilities compared to non-VA facilities. A recent review found that 67% of VA hospitals received either 4 or 5 stars, compared to 41% of non-VA hospitals. This difference underscores the effectiveness of VA health care and the dedication of its staff to providing exceptional services.

Future Plans and Goals

Looking ahead, NAVAHCS will continue to focus on improving patient care and satisfaction. The system is committed to maintaining its high standards and exploring new ways to enhance the health care experience for veterans. With its 5-star rating, NAVAHCS has set a high bar for itself and will strive to meet or exceed these standards in the years to come.

Conclusion

The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System's 5-star rating is a testament to its commitment to providing top-notch health care services to veterans. The system's dedication to patient safety, satisfaction, and community support has led to this outstanding achievement. As NAVAHCS continues to innovate and improve, it will remain a beacon of excellence in health care, serving the needs of veterans across northern Arizona and beyond.: https://www.hospitalcarecompare.com/l/192/va-northern-arizona-healthcare-system: https://www.va.gov/northern-arizona-health-care/news-releases/: https://www.va.gov/northern-arizona-health-care/news-releases/navahcs-receives-5-star-rating/: https://www.va.gov/northern-arizona-health-care/about-us/: https://www.va.gov/northern-arizona-health-care/about-us/performance/