Atlanta, Ga. (Feb. 11, 2019) – Piedmont Atlanta Hospital’s Respiratory Care Department has earned the Apex Quality Recognition for 2019 – 2020 from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Piedmont Atlanta is one of only 12 acute-care hospitals in the U.S. and the only acute-care hospital in Georgia to earn this recognition.
This isn’t the first time Piedmont Atlanta has been recognized by AARC. In 2017, it was the first hospital in the country to earn the Apex Quality Recognition, which distinguishes organizations for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care, patient safety, patient satisfaction and quality improvement.
“Delivering the highest and safest quality of care has always been our top priority at Piedmont and this achievement demonstrates that commitment,” said Valerie David, Director of Respiratory Care Services at Piedmont Atlanta. “When patients come here, they should expect high quality, evidence-based respiratory care delivered with compassion.”
Respiratory care services at Piedmont encompass the evaluation and management of critical care and chronic conditions, including asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, infectious lung diseases, lung cancer and more. The hospital has become a destination for people with respiratory issues, with patients coming from other states for treatment.
The AARC launched the Apex Quality Recognition program to help consumers make choices about their healthcare based on quality of services and knowledge of staff. The Apex Recognition Award includes five categories for recognition: acute-care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment (HME) companies, entry-level educational programs and dedicated transport teams.
About Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital – a 643-bed, private, not-for-profit hospital – is a leader in patient care that’s helped the Atlanta community get better and stay well for more than a century. Named the top acute-care community hospital in metro Atlanta in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Hospitals list, Piedmont Atlanta consistently ranks in the top five among metro Atlanta hospitals in patient experience scores.
About the AARC
Founded in 1947, the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) is the leading national and international professional association for respiratory care. We encourage and promote professional excellence, advance the science and practice of respiratory care, and advocate for patients, their families, the public, the profession, and the respiratory therapist. Supporting more than 47,000 members worldwide, the AARC is a not-for-profit professional association headquartered in Irving, Texas.