Saint Luke's and Children's Mercy Earn Accreditation for Kansas City Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute and the Ward Family Heart Center at Children’s Mercy Kansas City announced their collaborative program serving adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), named Kansas City Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, has earned accreditation from the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA).
Individuals with CHD, the most common birth defect diagnosed in one in 100 births, are living longer. There are nearly 2 million adults in the United States living with one of many different types of congenital heart defects, ranging among simple, moderate, and complex.
“We are honored to receive this accreditation from the Adult Congenital Heart Association,” said Anthony Magalski, MD, cardiologist and medical director of Saint Luke’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program. “It shows the dedication of our team of experts to our patients and their heart health through every phase of their life.”
The Kansas City Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program has a 28-year history of caring for patients with congenital heart conditions. Both organizations represent renowned innovation, quality, and compassionate care. Their partnership formed from their mutual desire to care for and provide seamless advanced care for patients with congenital heart disease from childhood through adulthood.
“We are excited to have achieved ACHA accreditation for the KCACHD program,” said Brian Birnbaum, MD, pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. “As the only ACHA accredited program in Kansas or Missouri, we continue to showcase the great work done by both Children’s Mercy and St. Luke's in congenital heart disease care, the strong collaboration our programs have—and the ongoing commitment to lifelong treatment of congenital heart disease in this region.”
The Kansas City Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program received accreditation by meeting ACHA’s rigorous criteria around medical services and personnel requirements. The accreditation process was developed through a collaboration with doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and ACHD patients.
“There are now more adults than children in the U.S. with CHD,” said Mark Roeder, President and CEO of ACHA. “Accreditation will elevate the standard of care and have a positive impact on the futures of those living with this disease. Coordination of care is key, and this accreditation program will make care more streamlined for ACHD patients, improving their quality of life.”
There are now 53 ACHA ACHD Accredited programs throughout the United States.