DETROIT – DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan is now one of nine health systems with inpatient rehab centers in the United States awarded Gold Seal certification by the Joint Commission for intensive Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation after a major cardiac event.

The Joint Commission announced the Gold Seal Certification for Inpatient Cardiac Rehab in July, effective for a three-year period. The announcement comes as DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, fondly known as RIM, celebrates 75 years this year of helping people from across the Midwest recover from catastrophic injuries or illness.

Cardiac rehab is the reconditioning of the heart after a major cardiac event, including heart attack, heart surgery, angioplasty, vascular procedure or other cardiac issue. Research shows that patients who participate in cardiac rehab have better survival rates after their cardiac event, as well as improvement in symptoms like chest pain and improved ability to do daily activities.

Many patients after a cardiac event spend a few days in intensive care in a traditional hospital setting, then they are prescribed outpatient cardiac rehab when they go home.

RIM’s Inpatient Cardiac Rehab offers daily intensive conditioning while the patient stays at the 69-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Midtown Detroit, designed for those severely affected by their cardiac event. RIM’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physicians evaluate each patient before they are admitted to RIM, to determine if they would benefit from the rigorous program.

“Some patients need the structure of intensive inpatient therapy to truly return to health,” RIM CEO Christina Michajlyszyn said. “The team at RIM is proud to be recognized by the Joint Commission with a Gold Seal for our Inpatient Cardiac Rehab option, recognizing our experienced, caring professionals’ work and dedication to our patients.”

The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care, according to the organization’s evaluators. RIM, the only freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Metro Detroit, underwent a rigorous onsite inspection by a Joint Commission surveyor. The surveyor evaluated compliance with related Cardiac Rehabilitation certification standards developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The surveyor also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive for the Joint Commission. “We commend RIM for using Joint Commission’s certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”For more information, visit Joint Commission’s website or DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s website.

About DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM), one of the nation’s largest providers of physical medicine and rehabilitation services, is celebrating 75 years of helping patients return to their lives. Part of the Detroit Medical Center, RIM is known for its clinical expertise in spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, complex trauma and orthopedics. The Institute is home to many innovative programs, including the Southeastern Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury System (SEMTBIS). With more than 20 outpatient sites located throughout southeast Michigan, it is also a center of choice for people recovering from sports and orthopedic injuries.