Joint Replacement Program Ranked #1

Saint Francis Medical Center's Center for Joint Replacement has ranked best overall for excellence in joint replacement surgery in a recent study by Marshall | Steele, a physician-led healthcare services firm focused on transforming traditional hospital service lines into Destination Centers of Superior Performance. This independent industry leader compiled, validated and calculated data from hospitals across the U.S. to create a Destination Center Scorecard for Joint Replacement Surgery. Saint Francis ranked the best in the nation.

Marshall | Steele ranks hospitals in six categories. Saint Francis ranked first overall and in the operating room category. The Medical Center was second in the patient satisfaction category and was among the top five in several other categories, including operational (measuring patients' length of stay and discharge to home), rehabilitation and clinical (measuring complications, readmissions and blood transfusions).

"What is excellence?" says Marshall Steele, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and founder and CEO of Marshall | Steele. "Many hospitals claim it but do not have the data to back up their claim. Many hospital awards are calculated by using Med Par that is two years old. We collect current data on clinical, operational and patient satisfaction metrics. Saint Francis finished first overall. Saint Francis can back up its claim of being excellent."

Marshall | Steele compiled its information using case level data from 2009. Hospitals use the data as a benchmark for improvement.

"The Center for Joint Replacement has been in existence for less than three years, and already it has proven itself among the best orthopaedic institutions in the country," says Patrick R. Knight, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Saint Francis. "We treat patients as healthy adults undergoing a procedure that will allow them to return to an active life. Marshall | Steele's data proves that our approach results in better patient outcomes."

Saint Francis Medical Center

"The physicians and staff at the Center for Joint Replacement are experts in their fields," adds Brian C. Schafer, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Saint Francis. Schafer spearheaded the development of the Center for Joint Replacement program. "We use evidence-based medicine for everything we do, and it has helped patients decrease the length of their hospitalization and recover more quickly. We are proud that Marshall | Steele has recognized our commitment to excellence."

In addition, Saint Francis also was recognized recently for exceptional patient outcomes ranking the organization in the top 10 percent in the nation from HealthGrades® for orthopedic care. The Medical Center received five-star ratings for overall orthopedics, joint replacement, total knee replacement, total hip replacement and hip fracture repair. The Medical Center received the HealthGrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ for 2010 and 2011.

For more information, call the Saint Francis Center for Joint Replacement at 573-331-5593 or visit www.sfmc.net.