North Kansas City Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Wound Care Management Certification. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects NKCH’s Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center’s commitment to providing a higher standard of safe quality patient care.
To meet the standards of the world’s preeminent accreditation and certification organization, the center underwent a rigorous review. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national clinical practice guidelines and performance measures.
“Since we began caring for patients over 20 years ago, we have been steadfast in providing consistent, quality care,” said Karl Stark, MD, FACS, medical director of the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and vascular surgeon with the Midwest Aortic & Vascular Institute. “As with our Level II accreditation from the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, this prestigious Joint Commission recognition signifies our program’s commitment to the highest standards of patient care. I commend our team for their desire to advance the care of complex, chronic wounds.”
The center is one of only three organizations in the U.S. with both honors. It also is among only 28 organizations in the U.S., two in Missouri and the only one in the Kansas City area with this Joint Commission disease-specific certification.
Developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients, the two-year certification shows the center is dedicated to:
- Reduce unwanted variations in care and improve the patient experience
- Improve efficiencies and outcomes at a potential lower cost
- Align communication and collaboration among all disciplines
- Position the service line to effectively face new challenges
- Promote a culture of excellence to boost retention and recruitment of talent
Deemed a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, NKCH also holds The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval and Certification for Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement, Comprehensive Cardiac Center, and Primary Stroke Center, as well as The Joint Commission Home Care Accreditation.
Patients can refer themselves to the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center or can be referred by their physician. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
Karl Stark, MD, FACS
Dr. Stark earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He completed his residency in general surgery at University Health and fellowship in vascular surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.