UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center Awarded Blue Distinction Center+ for Excellence in Cardiac Care

UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center is proud to announce it has been  recognized with the Blue Distinction® Center+ designation for Cardiac Care by Wellmark® Blue Cross®  and Blue Shield®. This prestigious recognition, part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program, is  awarded to providers that demonstrate high-quality, safe and cost-efficient cardiac care, leading to better  health outcomes for patients. 

"We are incredibly honored to receive the Blue Distinction Center+ designation for Cardiac Care," said Tom Mulrooney, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines chief operations officer. "This achievement is a reflection  of the dedication and expertise of our entire cardiovascular team. Providing the highest level of care to our  patients is at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to delivering  excellent outcomes in a cost-effective manner." 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies every 34 seconds  from cardiovascular disease in the United States. The Blue Distinction Centers+ for Cardiac Care provide  patients with critical information to choose affordable, high-quality cardiac care within their health plan's  network. To earn the designation, Iowa Methodist Medical Center had to meet rigorous quality and safety  standards and demonstrate cost-efficiency compared to other facilities. Iowa Methodist Medical Center  has consistently delivered safe and effective cardiac care, including procedures such as: 

• Percutaneous coronary interventions 

• Coronary artery bypass grafts 

• Aortic valve replacement 

• Mitral valve replacement and repair 

The team at Iowa Methodist Medical Center is on track to perform more than 5,600 cardiac procedures  and surgeries this year, supported by more than 260 specialized cardiovascular staff and more than 30  cardiology physicians and providers. 

“We are committed to continuous improvement and to making cardiac care as accessible, affordable and  effective as possible," added Mulrooney.  

Health care facilities earning Blue Distinction Center+ status are evaluated on a variety of quality metrics,  including in-hospital mortality and complication rates, as well as patient outcomes like readmissions and  mortality following procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafts. On average, Blue Distinction  Centers+ for Cardiac Care are 21% more cost-efficient than non-Blue Distinction Center+ facilities.