Norman Regional Receives the 2018 Women’s Choice Award® as One of America’s Best for Bariatric Surgery, Stroke

and Stroke by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.  The award signifies that Norman Regional is in the top 9 percent for bariatric surgery and top 8 percent for stroke centers of 4,812 U.S. hospitals and stroke centers reviewed.

“This is the second year in a row for Norman Regional Health System to be a Women’s Choice Award recipient for both bariatric surgery and stroke. We are incredibly proud of our healers for their hard work and dedication to patient care, safety and satisfaction,” said Richie Splitt, President and CEO of Norman Regional Health System.

One of America’s Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery

The methodology for the bariatric surgery award is unique in that it combines national accreditations, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results and hospital outcome scores with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. It is the only award recognizing excellence in bariatric surgery based on robust criteria that consider patient satisfaction and clinical excellence.

Norman Regional achieved the America’s Best distinction in bariatric surgery by meeting the following criteria:

• Accreditation by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery joint-sponsored Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)
• At least 72 percent of patients reporting on the HCAPHS survey that they would definitely recommend the hospital
• A high patient safety ranking based on 11 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ measures of infection and complication rates

Norman Regional is one of 422 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for bariatric surgery across the U.S.

“As the FDA approves more bariatric procedures and treatment options increase, the Women’s Choice Award is helping women make educated, confident decisions about where they should go to get the very best care,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “There are many women who struggle with their weight, especially as they age.  For some, diet and exercise alone aren’t enough and they need to turn to bariatric procedures to reduce their weight for their overall good health.”

An American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery study found that the risk of death from any cause is considerably less for bariatric patients than for individuals affected by severe obesity who have never had the surgery. The data shows that cancer mortality is reduced by 60 percent for bariatric surgery patients and death as a result of diabetes and heart disease is reduced by more than 90 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

One of America’s Best Stroke Centers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five women in the United States will have a stroke in her lifetime. Nearly 60 percent of stroke deaths are in women, and stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer.  Most alarming, the percentage of strokes in women under age 45 is increasing, with studies showing these women are more likely to be misdiagnosed.

“Timely diagnosis and effective care are critical to preventing disability and improving chances of recovery,” Passi said. “Our award educates women about where they—and their loved ones—have the best chance to return to a full life following a stroke.”

A stroke center must be certified by the Joint Commission Stroke Certification Program as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and/or Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center to be considered for the award.  It is the only award recognizing excellence in stroke care based on robust criteria that considers patient satisfaction and clinical excellence. 

The methodology used to select Norman Regional as one of America’s Best Stroke Centers is unique in that it evaluates 30-day stroke mortality and readmission rates and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results along with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences.  Hospitals must also score in the top 80 percent of all hospitals in the following areas:

• Percent of patients receiving Head CT scan results within 45 minutes
• Percent of patients receiving Thrombolytic therapy

Norman Regional is one of 405 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for stroke care in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.