Moreno Valley, Ca. — Riverside University Health System—Medical Center today announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in total hip and total knee replacement.

The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization and the nation’s oldest and largest accrediting body in health care. The advanced certification is for Joint Commission-accredited hospitals, critical access hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers seeking to elevate the quality, consistency and safety of their services and patient care. The commission established the advanced certification in recognition of the growing number of Americans undergoing a total hip or total knee replacement surgery.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 7 million Americans are living with a hip or knee replacement, underscoring the substantial public health impact of total hip and knee reconstruction or replacement.

The certification also recognizes RUHS Medical Center’s focus on clinical evidence-based patient care for pain management, quality of life issues, functional limitation in mobility and a return to normal daily activities, said RUHS orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Sherman, who credits the center’s team of medical professionals for the program’s success.

“We look forward to improving patient safety and quality of care for the increasing number of patients undergoing total hip or total knee replacement surgery,” Sherman said.

Riverside University Health System Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review by Joint Commission inspectors in September.  The program was evaluated for compliance with advanced disease-specific care standards and total hip and total knee replacement requirements, including orthopedic consultation, and pre-operative, intraoperative and post-surgical orthopedic surgeon follow-up care.

“Achieving Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Certification recognizes RUHS Medical Center’s commitment to provide care in a safe and efficient manner for patients,” said Patrick Phelan, executive director, Hospital Business Development, The Joint Commission. To learn more visit www.RUHealth.org