In many industries, there are groups that monitor the quality of products and services and offer their “seal of approval” for those products and services that meet quality standards.

The Joint Commission. For hospitals, the Joint Commission is that quality-monitoring group. Formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, or - to those in the business - "Jayco" - it is an independent, not-for-profit organization established more than 50 years ago. A board that includes physicians, nurses and consumers governs the commission. Joint Commission evaluates the quality and safety of care for more than 15,000 healthcare organizations. To maintain and earn accreditation, organizations must have an extensive on-site review by a team of Joint Commission healthcare professionals at least once every three years.

The purpose of the review is to evaluate the organization's performance in areas that affect your care. Accreditation may then be awarded based on how well a hospital or other healthcare organization meets Joint Commission standards. The Joint Commission sets the standards by which healthcare quality is measured in America and around the world. For more information about JCAHO accredited organizations, a list of Joint Commission accredited organizations and their survey results are posted in the Quality Check section of the Joint Commission website at www.jointcommission.org or you can call Joint Commission's Customer Service Department directly at 630-792-5800 for additional information.

Other methods of reaching The Joint Commission include:

The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
or
FAX: 630-792-5636
Email: complaint@jointcommission.org

Other recognitions in Hospital Quality:

HealthGrades: For the fourth year in a row, St. Vincent's Medical Center has been recognized nationally for the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence. this distinction is based on an independent study released by HealthGrades, the leading healthcare rating company. The study of quality at the nation's 4,971 hospitals places SVMC in the top 5 percent for overall clinical quality. Learn more about HealthGrades here

J.D. Power and Associates: For two years in a  row, 2004 and 2005, St. Vincent's HealthCare has been recognized by the national organization for providing "An Outstanding Inpatient Experience."  Learn more about the recognition here

U.S. News & World Report: St. Vincent's HealthCare has been ranked among the nation's Top 50 hospitals for Heart and Heart Surgery in 2006, 2005 and 2003.  Learn more about this recognition here