Howard University Hospital Awarded Advanced Diabetes Certification

Washington, DC, April 10, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​​Howard University Hospital today announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Inpatient Diabetes Care. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.  

The Howard University Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site review in March. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as inpatient diabetes-specific requirements. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed. HUH first received the special certification two years ago.

“We are the only center that has achieved the Joint Commission advanced diabetes certification in the metropolitan area,” said Jim Diegel, chief executive of Howard University Hospital.  “The Joint Commission is the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation and we appreciate the recognition.”

Diabetes is a common condition that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Because of the high rate of diabetes in the community on any given day about 15 percent of HUH patients hospitalized will have a diagnosis of diabetes. 

“A large number of patients we serve are affected by diabetes and the disease disproportionately affects minority patients,” said Dr. Gail Nunlee-Bland, director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Howard University Hospital. “The Joint Commission certification provides us with the framework create a culture of excellence for those in our community.”

Diabetes care at Howard University Hospital includes the Diabetes Treatment Center, a state-of-the-art facility that serves medical needs of diabetic patients through a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Appointments for diabetes care are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. To make an appointment please contact us at (202) 865-3350. For more information please also visit huhealthcare.com/diabetes

“Howard University Hospital has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for patients with diabetes,” said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. “We commend Howard University Hospital for becoming a leader in inpatient diabetes care, potentially providing a higher standard of service for diabetic patients in its community.”

It is estimated that African Americans living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area have rates as high as 16 percent, nearly two-fold greater than the national average of about 9 percent.

About Howard University Hospital

Over the course of its roughly 150-year history of providing the finest primary, secondary and tertiary health care services, Howard University Hospital (HUH) remains one of the most comprehensive health care facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and designated a DC Level 1 Trauma Center. The hospital is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. 

The Joint Commission

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. 

Source: Howard University Hospital