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LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Our local hospital has made great strides over the past couple of years and has been recognized for its efforts. In the most recent yearly rating, the La Follette Medical Center has gone from a Two-Star Hospital to a Four-Star Hospital.
The leap from a Two-Star Hospital to a Four-Star Hospital is most unique. Only 5% of hospitals in the nation make that large of a jump in a year. The rating is conducted by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.
The rating was officially announced in May. “We have great workers here; doctors and ancillary staff,” beamed Jessica Muse. Muse, very excited about the rating, serves as LMC’s Chief of Nursing Officer.
“The rating is based on the patients voice of their experience here at La Follette Medical Center. We’re monitoring patients and following evidence-based practices as well,” said Muse. “LMC was compared to similar hospitals of similar size as well as admission rate in the rating process; sort of like apples to apples,” Muse noted.
The next closest hospital with that kind of rating is Tennova Newport Medical Center.
Some of the criteria used in the evaluation process includes how likely a patient is to be readmitted to La Follette Medical Center or another medical facility after being discharged from LMC. It also looks at adverse events which are classified as negative outcomes or unexpected events not related to the patient diagnosis. Additionally, the likelihood of death during admission to La Follette Medical Center is considered. LMC’s death rate is below the national average.
“I’m really excited for our community, and that we’re providing quality care to our community, and that’s a big deal,” said Muse.
A five is the highest rating, though rare, and attaining Five-Star status is La Follette Medical Center’s goal. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/06/2021-6AM)