King’s Daughters receives American Heart Association’s Hypertension Practice Center Certification

King’s Daughters Health System has been awarded the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Practice Center Certification to recognize their commitment to care for people with complex or difficult-to-treat hypertension, or high blood pressure.

King's Daughters has received this certification before, only now it is through the American Heart Association. King's Daughters is the only hospital in the state of Kentucky to receive this certification, and one of only 22 hospitals in the nation. 

King’s Daughters was evaluated to ensure that appropriate diagnosis, evaluation and treatment protocols were in place for hypertension patients. The certification recognizes the use of electronic health records, prompt access to care for patients with hypertension, coordination of care with other providers, and commitment to targeting a better blood pressure control rate in the patient population.

“The application required proficiency training of our staff in the measurement of blood pressure, as well as the counseling and the long-term medical and social management aspects of hypertension,” said nephrologist Charbel Salem, M.D. “This effort could not have been achieved without the support of the King’s Daughters Health System leadership and our commitment to improving health in our communities.”

Certified Hypertension Practice Centers are recognized as leaders in providing the most up-to-date effective treatment strategies. Through this certification program, the American Heart Association collaborates with medical practices to implement these strategies and improve the outcomes of people with high blood pressure.

“King’s Daughters is thoroughly committed to providing our patients the highest quality hypertension care,” said Donna Phelps, King’s Daughters Nephrology practice manager. “Becoming certified has highlighted our accomplishments and is recognition of our commitment to continually work to improve the overall treatment and care for our patients with high blood pressure.”

Pictured from left to right are members of our Nephrology team with the certificate - Brian Gauze, APRN; Jonathan Kendall, M.D.; Tracy Ricewick, APRN; Brent Sergent, APRN; Charbel Salem, M.D.; Ashli Bowling, APRN; J. Michael Kasey, D.O.; James Egel, M.D.; Swathi Pullela, D.O.; and Ryann Pangan, M.D.