IU Health West Recognized as Accredited Chest Pain Center

Indiana University Health West Hospital has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC), an international organization dedicated to eliminating heart disease as the number one cause of death worldwide. IU Health West is part of just 10 percent of hospitals nationwide with under 200 beds to achieve this distinction, and the only hospital in Hendricks County.

Hospitals that have received SCPC accreditation have achieved a higher level of expertise in dealing with patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack. They emphasize the importance of standardized diagnostic and treatment programs that provide more efficient and effective evaluation, as well as more appropriate and rapid treatment of patients with chest pain and other symptoms of heart attack. These organizations also serve as a point of entry into the healthcare system to evaluate and treat other medical problems, and they help promote a healthier lifestyle in an attempt to reduce the risk factors for heart attack.

"IU Health West's recognition as an Accredited Chest Pain Center further strengthens our commitment to providing unsurpassed service and quality heart care to the people in the communities we serve," explains Josh Halon, Director of Cardiovascular Services for IU Health West Hospital. "My family and I live just minutes from the hospital, and I feel privileged to have immediate access to such high quality of care."

To become an Accredited Chest Pain Center, IU Health West engaged in rigorous evaluation by SCPC for its ability to assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Key areas in which an Accredited Chest Pain Center must demonstrate expertise include:

• Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system.
• Assessing, diagnosing and treating patients quickly.
• Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary symdrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms.
• Continually seeking to improve processses and procedures.
• Ensuring the competence and training of Accredited Chest Pain Center personnel.
• Maintaining organizational structure and commitment.
• Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care.
• Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack.

By becoming an Accredited Chest Pain Center, IU Health West Hospital has enhanced the quality of care for the cardiac patient and demonstrated a commitment to higher standards.

Learn more about Cardiovascular Services at IU Health West Hospital.