Back to home page Dialysis Center Scores High in US Study Posted 10/31/2008 CMS Study Places Center In Top 12% Nationally For Key Patient Safety Area An independent study from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says patients receiving care at the PeaceHealth Dialysis Center show a significantly greater than average survival rate. The CMS study details the outcomes of patients treated at the PeaceHealth Dialysis Center from 2004 – 2007. A key item in the CMS survey is the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR), which compares the observed death rate in a given facility to the national death rate. The CMS study concludes that among all U.S. dialysis facilities, 88% showed a higher mortality rate than the PeaceHealth Dialysis Center. According to the CMS report, “This lower mortality rate is unlikely to be due to random chance and probably represents a real difference from the expected mortality rate in the nation.” The PeaceHealth Dialysis Center also scored better than the national average in another key patient safety issue – hospitalization. The CMS report shows patients of the PeaceHealth Dialysis Center required 9% less hospital care than patients at other dialysis facilities throughout the United States. “We are gratified with the results of this CMS study,” says Lance Welch, PeaceHealth’s Regional Director of Wellness Services. “We have worked diligently to ensure that our patients receive the best possible dialysis care in our facility. This independent study confirms that patients who take advantage of the great service and convenience of our Dialysis Center can also be assured that they are receiving the safest care.” Carey Wallace, Clinical Manager of Dialysis Services, says the CMS results confirm the Center’s high standards for patient safety and quality. “We set our requirements higher than CMS, and we’re continually refining our program to improve patient safety and quality. Since the CMS survey was completed, we’ve added blood volume monitors and implemented new access techniques, both of which enhance patient care. Another important factor in achieving these great results is the excellent care provided by the outstanding staff at the PeaceHealth Dialysis Center!” Details of the CMS report will be posted this month on the Dialysis Facility Compare website at www.medicare.gov. PeaceHealth Dialysis Center is a 22-station facility offering both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis services. It is located at 600 North Broadway in Longview, Washington. For more information, email PeaceHealth's Public Affairs office.