San Antonio Regional Hospital has been named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Health. The study spotlights the top performing cardiovascular hospitals in the U.S., based on a balanced scorecard of available clinical and operational metrics and data.

This year’s study included 989 US hospitals with cardiovascular service lines. Based on comparisons between the study winners and a peer group of similar hospitals in the study, the top 50 winners delivered better outcomes while operating more efficiently and at a lower cost.

San Antonio Regional Hospital was compared to a peer group of 423 non-teaching community hospitals and was one of only 20 community hospitals nationwide, and only one of only two community hospitals in California to make the list.

“The top performing hospitals demonstrated better clinical care and were more efficient than their peers at delivering this care,” said Ekta Punwani, MHA, 100 Top Hospitals program leader at IBM Watson Health.

According to the IBM Watson Health study, the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals demonstrated:

• Significantly higher inpatient survival rates

• Fewer patient complications

• Higher 30-day survival rate for AMI (acute myocardial infarction), and CABG

(coronary artery bypass grafting)

• Fewer readmissions for AMI (acute myocardial infarction), HF (heart failure), and

CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting)

• Lower average length of stay

• Reduced total cost per patient case

San Antonio Regional Hospital has a robust array of cardiovascular services and is designated as a STEMI Receiving Center for heart attack victims. The hospital is also recognized as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI by the American College of Cardiology and is known for its exceptional cardiovascular care. “We are extremely proud to be one of only two community hospitals in California to offer patients this recognized level of excellence in cardiac care,” said John T. Chapman, interim president and chief executive officer of San Antonio Regional Hospital.

“Our multi-disciplinary team of cardiovascular physicians and surgeons, specialized nurses, and other clinical staff collaborate and utilize best practices to provide the very best clinical outcomes possible when a patient comes to us for cardiovascular care.”

According to Rhu Rhee, MD, MPP, vice president and chief health officer at IBM Watson Health, “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women and numerous health disparities exist. When patients and families confront this disease, it is essential to find the right system and provider for you or your loved ones to ensure the best cardiovascular care. Our data-driven study highlights top hospitals that have achieved an outstanding balance of clinical and operational excellence in a complex healthcare landscape.”

For more information, visit www.100tophospitals.com.