Gadsden Regional Medical Center Achieves National Chest Pain Accreditation. Click here to learn more.
- The Heart Center at Gadsden Regional Medical Center has cared for patients with cardiovascular disease since first performing open heart surgery in Etowah County more than 20 years ago. Our experienced staff uses some of the most advanced technology to perform a broad range of procedures.
- At The Heart Center at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, we have board-certified cardiologists, vascular and thoracic surgeons, and certified registered nurses and technologists to care for you every step of the way. We are equipped with two cardiac catheterization labs and dedicated cardiac operating rooms, providing for prompt and efficient patient care.
- The Heart Center at Gadsden Regional Medical Center provides patients and family members the education, support and quality medical care to recover from cardiac procedures.
- The Heart Center at Gadsden Regional Medical Center has been instrumental in making Gadsden a regional center for cardiovascular care.
GRMC established a CV program in 1986 and performs open-heart surgery. The hospital has been ranked as one of the top 4 facilities in the state of Alabama for cardiovascular care performing over 225 open-heart procedures annually. In 2009 GRMC ranked in the Top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for cardiac surgery.
A regional Emergency Department provides care to over 30,000 patients each year. GRMC’s ED is equipped with the ProMed tracking system and has recently opened a Fast Track.
Imaging systems
Cath Lab and associated CV services for echo and vascular ultrasound have relocated to the newly constructed tower, providing the lab with approximately 15,000 sf. With this addition, we also have shelled space to expand to 3 procedure rooms in the future.
Our archiving system has been upgraded to Xcelera, a cardiac PACS system. This system incorporates work stations as well as a web-based forum that can be used for review of images.
There is NO block scheduling currently in practice. Patient scheduling is first-come, first-served.
The hospital also has a nine bed admission / holding area for outpatient procedures.
Physio Monitoring and Documention
The WITT System has been GRMC’s physio monitor for nearly 15 years. GRMC enjoys a service contract with Philips / WITT that assures immediate access to technical support.
Physician Transcription
Last year, GRMC upgraded physician transcription capabilities which, coupled with software from LuMedx Corporation, further allows reporting to the ACC for Percutaneous Cardiac Interventions (PCI) and the ICD registry. Currently, GRMC has submitted four quarters of information for PCI which is presented for review by the Division of Cardiology.
Most of GRMC’s cardiologists now communicate their cath results during the procedure so that when the procedure is complete, the transcription report is 95% complete. The Monitor Tech works with the physician to edit the report to the physicians’ satisfaction, then the physician performs an electronic signature. By having this process in place, a signed report accompanies the patient to his/her room.
Contrast Delivery System
The ACIST system is used for all contrast delivery. This system allows for pre-set volume and flow. The physician can make changes as needed.
Cath Lab Staffing
The Cath Lab staffing consists of (fulltime):
- 7 Registered Nurses (RNs) - all ACLS certified
- 2 Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists (RCIS)
- 1 Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT)
- 2 CVT
GRMC Cath Lab staff members are trained in at least 2 primary roles (Team Leader / Circulator: Scrub Tech: Monitor Tech)
Volumes
2010 Volume = 3,196 procedures
- Permanent pacemakers are used by GRMC from Pacesetter, Medtronic, and BioTronik
- Coronary stents are used by GRMC from Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Guidant
- Vascular stents are used by GRMC from Boston Scientific, Cordis, and Guidant
- Other procedures performed at GRMC = Peripheral Vascular (including renal and carotid stents), Pericardiocentesis; Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump; and Intra-Vascular Ultrasound.
Miscellaneous
GRMC’s primary recognition goal is to be successful in the “door to balloon” benchmark for PCI of less than 90 minutes from triage to balloon inflation, in which the hospital staff is doing well with that benchmark.
Non Invasive Services
Echocardiography:
GRMC has two Philips Sonos 5500 echo carts which were purchased within the last 7 years.
Vascular Ultrasound:
GRMC has one Philips iU22 cart purchased within the last year.
GXT (Stress Lab):
GRMC has a Marquette System with plans to replace in near future.
Volume: (Estimated)
100 echos per month
300 vasculars per month
100 stress tests per month
GRMC does not have an EP Lab at this time.
NOTE: It is planned for the echo/vascular/EKG/Stress data to interface with the Cath Lab PACS when implemented.
Medical Staff
The GRMC Active Division of Cardiology acts as a subset to the Department of Medicine. The Division Chair has a seat at Medical Executive level. GRMC has 11 Cardiologists on staff, nine of which are practicing interventional cardiologists. These 11 physicians make up six independent practices with one group of four, a pair of two-man groups, and three solo providers. In addition, there are two CV surgeons on staff.
Hospital Cardiology Case Mix
Top MDC 5 Cardiology Discharges by DRG - Total MDC 5 Discharges Annually - 2,183
(Patients discharged with primary diagnosis and / or procedure listed as cardiac)