News Release: March 30, 1999

Albuquerque, New Mexico -- A study released on March 8, 1999 rates the Presbyterian Heart Center as the first and only program in New Mexico to be recognized as one of the 100 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in the nation. The study conducted by HCIA, Inc. rates the Presbyterian Heart Center as one of America's Top 100 because it provides superior care and service excellence. 

According to Jean Chenoweth, Sr. V.P. of Top 100 Programs for HCIA, Inc., "Those hospitals in the top 100 for cardiology are providing superior clinical treatment and excellence in service management. Our analysis shows that the 100 Top Hospitals get measurably more positive outcomes than the peer group, and we found significant differences between the quality of care in the Top 100 Hospitals and their peers."

The study measures mortality rates, complication rates, average stay, and patient cost. A hospital must demonstrate leading outcomes in all four in order to be rated as one of the nation's Top 100 for heart care. "We are honored to be included among the best in the nation", said Mary Ross, R.N., Vice President of Albuquerque Operations with Presbyterian Healthcare Services. "This recognition is due to the dedication of Presbyterian Heart Center physicians and staff who provide thousands of New Mexicans with excellent heart care".

The HCIA report considers the hospitals listed in the report as benchmark facilities for quality of care and value. The report includes Presbyterian Heart Center as the only New Mexico hospital producing outcomes and performance at superior levels. According to the report, "If all US cardiac hospitals were to perform at the level of those selected as benchmarks in this study, the results for the industry would be dramatic. Mortality rates would decline by 25%, Complication rates would drop 20%, length of stay would drop by as much as 17% and patient costs would decrease by as much as 18%.

HCIA, Inc. is a leading health care information content company based in Baltimore, Maryland which has produced the 100 Top Hospitals: Benchmarks for Success study for the past six years. The March 8, 1999 cardiology report is the first time the 100 Top Hospitals list has been expanded to include specialties within hospitals. According to HCIA, the top 100 hospitals are the ones that excel in what are considered high cost, high-risk procedures. In cardiology, the successful outcome of a procedure or treatment may mean the difference between life and death.

According to Ross, "Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American adults and the public should be informed about the performance of institutions providing cardiovascular care. This is especially true for New Mexicans who have four high quality choices for heart care. Presbyterian is honored to be recognized as New Mexico's only Top 100 heart program. We remain committed to building upon our 30 year tradition of excellence which has been created by the staff and physicians who chose to practice at Presbyterian". 

Presbyterian Heart Center has been New Mexico's leader in heart care for over 30 years and is the only program that provides the community with a full range of cardiac services. Presbyterian's comprehensive heart program includes air transport, adult and pediatric acute care, New Mexico's only heart transplantation services, and cardiac rehabilitation through the Presbyterian Healthplex. The Presbyterian Heart Center is owned by Presbyterian Healthcare Services, the state's largest not-for-profit healthcare delivery organization.