Albany Medical Center has been recognized with the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award. This recognition highlights the hospital’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, including reducing readmissions and supporting more healthy days at home.
Heart failure affects approximately 6.7 million adults in the United States, and this number is projected to rise to over eight million by 2030. Although there is no cure for heart failure, patients can manage their condition and improve their quality of life through medication, monitoring symptoms, and making lifestyle changes in collaboration with their healthcare team.
The Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure award is given to hospitals that follow the most current guidelines from the American Heart Association for treating heart failure patients. The program supports hospitals nationwide in aligning patient care with up-to-date research and evidence-based standards, aiming to increase healthy days at home and reduce hospital readmissions.
“Albany Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dan Pauze, MD, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Albany Medical Center. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people throughout our region can experience longer, healthier lives.”
Hospitals participating in the program qualify for annual recognition by demonstrating ongoing dedication to quality care for heart failure patients. Alongside following treatment protocols, participants provide education that helps patients manage their condition after leaving the hospital.
“We are pleased to recognize the leaders and teams at Albany Medical Center for a strong commitment to caring for people with heart failure,” said sabra Lewsey, MD, MPH, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Heart Failure System of Care Advisory Group. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure often see better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates—a win for families, communities and health care systems.”
In addition to this award, Albany Medical Center was recognized on the American Heart Association’s Target: Heart Failure Optimal list. Hospitals receiving this distinction meet criteria such as improved medication adherence, early follow-up care coordination, and enhanced patient education—measures designed to further reduce readmissions and support patients in managing chronic heart conditions.
The medical center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. This program ensures that hospitalized patients with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk of complications receive current evidence-based care related to heart disease or stroke.
