Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center announced that it has received six CIGNA quality designations including one Centers of Excellence designation for 2008. These quality designations mean that the hospital has met rigorous quality criteria based on nationally recognized medical standards and expert advice. The Center of Excellence designations mean that the hospital met CIGNA’s highest standards for quality and efficiency.
Sierra Vista received the following designations:
• Spinal Fusion (CIGNA Center of Excellence)
• Adult Craniotomy
• Disk Fusion
• Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal
• Total Hip Replacement
• Vaginal Delivery

“These designations demonstrate the excellent care that our staff and physicians provide every day and validates our commitment to quality and customer service,” said Candace L. Markwith, Sierra Vista’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased that our hospital has been recognized by CIGNA for the high quality care that we provide.”

The CIGNA designations are based on the hospital’s effectiveness in treating the selected condition or performing the procedure. The designations are based in part of a hospital’s CMS Hospital Compare measures, Leapfrog Patient Safety Measures, mortality and complication rates. Sierra Vista was one of 38 Tenet facilities that received these designations. CIGNA is one of the largest managed care companies in the United States.