Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Advanced 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.

The certification, the only one offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, emphasizes the highest standards and assessment metrics for quality, and focuses on continuity of care – from the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities and follow-up visits with the orthopedic care team.

As part of the certification process, Marshfield Clinic Health System submitted records showing it met standards clinical care delivery based on evidence-based care and clinical practice guidelines, supplied performance measurement data and participates in the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR). Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire also underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review this spring. The reviewer conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“We are honored to receive advanced certification from The Joint Commission,” said Dr. TJ Bramwell, orthopedic surgeon. “Achieving this gold standard recognizes our commitment to provide care for our total hip and knee patients in a safe and efficient manner.”

This certification demonstrates patients the high quality and comprehensive care available at Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire through the orthopedic total joint replacement program. “The expertise, dedication and commitment to patients is reflected in this achievement,” said Jeron Jackson, musculoskeletal service line administrator. “Thank you and congratulations to our orthopedics team, surgery, therapy, quality, hospital teams and many others who made this possible.”

This certification sets Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire apart from the competition in the Chippewa Valley. The Eau Claire orthopedics team is one of only three joint replacement programs that have achieved this level in Wisconsin. Other orthopedic teams in the Health System are preparing to apply for this certification as well.