Posted 10:37 pm Thursday, June 04, 2009
Azalea Orthorpedics Honored For Besting Benchmarks
By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer
Staff members at Azalea Orthopedics had something to celebrate Wednesday as they were recognized for going above benchmarks in patient satisfaction surveys. Press Ganey Associates, an independent patient satisfaction survey company, each year recognizes health care facilities that rank in the 95th percentile in the nation for patient satisfaction.
Staff Writer
Staff members at Azalea Orthopedics had something to celebrate Wednesday as they were recognized for going above benchmarks in patient satisfaction surveys. Press Ganey Associates, an independent patient satisfaction survey company, each year recognizes health care facilities that rank in the 95th percentile in the nation for patient satisfaction.
Azalea Orthopedics exceeded the goal, reaching the 97th percentile. Within the region, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, the facility ranked in the 99th percentile.
In the last three years, the facility ranked in the 94th percentile and staff members have collectively worked to push past that extra point. Officials said, as reports are released each year, they review data to identify areas that need the most improvement.
"It's about taking ownership," said Dr. Michael Russell, orthopedic spine surgeon. "Its important to not just care for the patient, but give them a good experience while here, and take care of their families' needs."
Factors used in the survey include concern for patients' privacy, sensitivity to patients' needs, waiting times, communication of delays and quality of care. As one objective has been met, the staff looks toward another one.
"The goal is to stay at 95 percent or better and we will be satisfied," Russell said. The clinic was also recognized for an improvement of 1.3 mean score points in overall satisfaction from Feb. 1 to April 30.
In addition to general and pediatric orthopedic, Azalea Orthopedics provides care for nerve pain and the spine. It has 140 employees including 19 surgeons at two locations: 1905 Donnybrook Ave. and 3414 Golden Road. Officials plan to consolidate the two locations at the Donnybrook site this summer.
