1	HEART FAILURE CARE
2	HCMH Commitment to Quality Patient Care Hill Country Memorial Health System and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together on a public accountability project designed to improve hospital services. Hill Country Memorial has been submitting health care data to CMS as part of a national move to provide the public with certain statistics that allow comparisons of care related to specific diagnoses such as outcomes for pneumonia, heart failure, heart attack and surgical care improvement. We believe that such public disclosure can only result in better health care in this country, and we support public disclosure of information related to the quality of care for our patients. This data comparison helps us as well, allowing us to set benchmarks and goals and see where we are in regard to regional and state averages. Sometimes, we see too few eligible cases in a particular reporting area to calculate a reliable statistic. In these instances, we will label the results accordingly. Even in these cases, however, we see this reporting process as offering opportunities to improve care. We welcome these opportunities. If you want more in-depth information, you may visit www.healthgrades.com and www.medicare.gov/Hospital..
3	(HF) Heart Failure Facts HF is also known as congestive heart failure (CHF) Heart failure affects 5 million Americans It causes 400,000 deaths a year It increases in prevalence with age It is associated with high hospital readmission rates Nationally, costs exceed 38 billion dollars a year
4	Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure Weight gain Swelling of feet and ankles Abdominal swelling Pronounced neck veins Loss of appetite Cough Decreased urine production
5	Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure Frequent urination at night Shortness of breath with activity or after lying down for a while Difficulty sleeping Fatigue, weakness, faintness Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) Irregular or rapid pulse Decreased alertness or concentration
6	HCMH Goal For HF (Heart Failure) Patients Our goal is to provide patients with the highest level of care available by incorporating into our treatment plans the use of nationally accepted, evidence-based guidelines.
7	Key Aspects of Heart Failure Care Measurement of left ventricular function: This test measures the pump function of the heart. Results help to determine the severity of heart failure and how to proceed with treatment ACE inhibitor at discharge: Some patients who experience heart failure have sustained weakened pumping action in their heart referred to as “left ventricular systolic dysfunction.” For these patients, an ACE inhibitor helps prevent further weakening of the heart.
8	Key Aspects of Heart Failure Care Documentation of smoking cessation counseling: Smoking is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Patients who quit significantly reduce the risk of death and subsequent cardiac events. Complete discharge instructions will help the patient better manage their heart failure at home. Complete discharge instructions should address diet, activity, weight monitoring, worsening symptoms and follow-up.
9	HCMH Results with State and National Averages
10	What Would You Like To Do Next? Return to HCMH Quality Measurement Welcome page? Return to HCMHS homepage?