MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown only community hospital in South Carolina named as top national cardiovascular hospital

MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown is the only community hospital in South Carolina named as top national cardiovascular hospital by Fortune and Premier's PINC AI, a healthcare improvement and technology company. 

Premier evaluated 937 nonfederal hospitals across the nation that treat a broad range of cardiovascular patients. Hospitals were analyzed on measures of clinical outcomes, efficiency, and patient experience. Those in the top 50 operated at lower cost and had better outcomes, had significantly higher inpatient survival rates, fewer patients with complications, lower readmission rates and spent up to $5,076 less in total costs per patient case. If all hospitals operated at the level of the top 50, there would be 7,600 fewer deaths due to heart disease, 6,700 fewer patients with complications and more than $1 billion saved each year, according to the analysis. 

“It’s an honor to be the only SC community hospital named as the top national cardiovascular hospital,” says Dr. John Sutton, III, cardiothoracic surgeon at MUSC Health Columbia Downtown. “I’m proud of our team of physicians and care team members, that work tirelessly, caring for our patients, every day.”

MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular team provides complete cardiac care through preventative care, the most advanced and effective treatments, and rehabilitation. 

“Providing high quality cardiac care has been the foundation of our organization for decades in the Midlands,” says Dr. Bill Phillips, cardiologist at MUSC Health Columbia Downtown. “This recognition is evidence of our commitment to providing a standard of care that enhances patient outcomes.” 

MUSC Health’s multidisciplinary team provides innovative and personalized treatment to the Midlands community facing cardiac conditions including heart disease, advanced heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and vascular conditions. 

“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for all Americans,” says Dr. Rodney Rhinehart, cardiologist at MUSC Health Columbia Downtown. “The breadth and depth of our team provide the support to reassure our patients that we are in this with them, from diagnosis to recovery.”