Crossing Rivers Health Awarded Laboratory Accreditation
Contact: Dan Moris
Prairie du Chien, WI – The laboratory at Crossing Rivers Health recently completed a rigorous, three-day onsite review by The Joint Commission with the best possible outcome - zero documented areas of improvement. Each year, the staff performs more than 128,000 tests and takes part in the care of more than 12,000 patients. The exceptional survey for Crossing Rivers Health earns The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Laboratory Accreditation, reflecting the health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization created in 1951 that accredits more than 20,000 US health care programs and organizations. With specific quality measures holding healthcare organizations accountable for health-related outcomes, they offer an unbiased assessment of patient care and safety.
“The laboratory team follows stringent quality assurance measures every day to ensure that we are producing timely and accurate results for our health care providers in a safe environment for our patients,” says Barb Welsch, Director of Laboratory Services at Crossing Rivers Health.
During the unannounced November visit, reviewers from The Joint Commission evaluated compliance with laboratory standards in areas including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and quality system assessment to ensure the laboratory is delivering the highest quality care to their patients.
Welsch says, “The fact that the recent laboratory survey had zero documented requirements for improvement, especially while navigating the extreme challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic is an amazing accomplishment that attests to the dedication of the laboratory staff and their ability to maintain the highest standards of care.”
Medical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease in patients. The CDC estimates that 70% of medical decisions depend on laboratory results. Laboratory professionals play a vital role in healthcare and patient advocacy.
“I am extremely proud of my staff for maintaining this level of excellence and for their commitment to our community,” says Welsch.