Read about the latest happenings at Dickinson County Healthcare System.
Michigan leads the way in quality and safety initiatives and in the provision of information to the public through its web site MIHospitalInform.org. Since the advent of national healthcare reform and its emphasis on transparency, it is easier for patients to find information on the quality of hospitals, but it still may be a bit confusing. Following is a brief explanation of the federal and state initiatives currently at work to improve healthcare quality. Understanding these initiatives will help the consumer know what questions to ask when looking for a quality hospital...
Dickinson County Healthcare System was recently named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accrediting agency of healthcare organizations in America. This is a unique distinction held by only 405 hospitals throughout the country; only 10 Michigan hospitals made the list, three of which were in the Upper Peninsula: Dickinson Memorial Hospital, VA Medical Center, and Grand View in Ironwood. The closest hospital in Wisconsin designated as a top performer is located in Merrill – none of the Green Bay hospitals were cited. DCH System was rated along with hospitals and health systems of all sizes with no peer adjustments related to size or type of hospital.
Technology in the right hands is the key to the quality inherent in the imaging services provided whether in a hospital or outpatient center. As a consumer, look for national accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a sign of professional quality. The process that must be undertaken to acquire ACR accreditation is very demanding and is not mandated or legislated in any way. Consequently, completing the accreditation process is a statement of the dedication and work ethic of the imaging staff. The process also guarantees the accuracy and safety of the imaging exams being provided.
Local family members of active duty military personnel will now be able to obtain their healthcare locally thanks to a successful conclusion to a two-year process undertaken by the Finance Department of Dickinson County Healthcare System. Dickinson County Healthcare System is now an approved participating member of the Tricare Network, which allows the family members of active-duty military personnel and activated Guard and Reserve soldiers to obtain their healthcare services locally. Prior to DCH System’s designation as a participating provider within the Tricare network, local patients were required to travel to hospitals outside the local area. Tricare is the federally funded Program that pays for the healthcare services of military personnel and their families.
Dickinson’s surgical team has a vision of providing the very best – and safest – individualized surgical experience for each patient who presents for surgery at Dickinson Memorial Hospital....