Surgeons at the Valley Medical Center’s Center for Joint Replacement performed 772 total joint replacements in 2006. This was a 20% increase over the number of cases performed in 2005. Of these, 468 of the procedures were performed by the author of this blog. Thanks to the excellent staff including nurses, nurse’s aides, LPNs, and physical and occupational therapists, the experience of those who pass through the Center was overall rated as excellent. In 2007, HealthGrades ranked the Joint Center at Valley Medical Center #1 in the state of Washington for joint replacement surgery. The Jackson Service evaluated patient satisfaction and found the overall satisfaction rate was in the 96th percentile for the United States. Several questions were asked of patients including how well nurses kept the patient informed of their treatment, how well nurses responded to patient requests, how well pain was managed, and kindness shown by the nursing staff, all of which Valley Medical Center’s Joint Center ranked in the top 1% nationwide. Through its comprehensive approach to joint replacement surgery, including emphasis on patient eduction, pain management, and a comprehensive program for joint replacement, the Center for Joint Replacement has put together all of the key ingredients for a successful outcome following joint replacement surgery. I am very proud of the staff and the outstanding results that they have shown. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.valleymed.org/. Click on the link for Center for Joint Replacement.
William P. Barrett, M.D.
WPB/mf
