Frankfort Regional Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized by The Joint Commission,” said Ashley Hickel, interim chief executive officer at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. “This certification reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional orthopedic care for total hip and knee replacement and the dedication of our skilled orthopedic surgical and rehabilitation teams.”

The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon.

The Total Joint Orthopedic program at Frankfort Regional Medical Center works with an adult population to improve their quality of life by providing evidence based, high quality, and cost-efficient care regarding joint replacement. The program utilizes 14 clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the National Guideline Clearing House.

Frankfort Regional Medical Center underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on October 31, 2023. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Frankfort Regional Medical Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.