LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Norton Healthcare has recently been certified by The Joint Commission as a Center of Excellence for knee and hip replacements.
Norton Hospital officials say the need for quality orthopaedic care continues to grow in Kentuckiana as the population ages. Ironically, that need is compounded both by people maintaining active lifestyles as well as those who struggle with excessive joint pressure caused by obesity.
In the next decade, the number of hip replacements is expected to rise by 22 percent and the number of knee replacements by 34 percent.
Norton Healthcare is the first and only certified Orthopaedic Center of Excellence in the region and the first multisite hospital system in Kentucky to receive a Center of Excellence designation for knee and hip replacements.
According to a press release from Norton Healthcare, the credentialing process included a series of on-site reviews by members of The Joint Commission. Several categories were reviewed for compliance with The Joint Commission standards that ensure exceptional patient care.
The Joint Commission also conducted individual tracer activity, where patients were followed throughout the entire program associated with a hip or knee replacement.
Many people in Kentucky who could benefit from hip and knee replacement may have struggled for years without realizing that world-class resources are available so close to home. Everyday activities, such as visiting the grocery store or going to work, can become obstacles. Having a hip or knee replacement by a certified organization means that patients are more likely to safely return to their normal lives relatively quickly.
"The Joint Commission certification as a Center of Excellence for knee and hip replacement will help patients make informed decisions about their health," said Cyna Khalily, M.D., medical director of orthopaedics at Norton Healthcare. "According to The Joint Commission, certification demonstrates commitment to a higher standard of service. The Joint Commission certification means we at Norton Healthcare are meeting and exceeding national standards. We have shown that we can improve patients' quality of life by getting them back to an active lifestyle quickly and reliably."
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