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Category Archives: Freeman Fort Scott Hospital
54 Graduate Nurses Sign to Join Freeman Health System
Caregivers and Lifesavers
Nurses Recognized During Special Signing Day Ceremony
Joplin, MO – Smiling, sharing hugs, and waving to a max-capacity audience, a graduating class of 53 graduate nurses (GNs) and graduate practical nurses (GPNs) were honored during a unique Freeman Health System ceremony held Wednesday evening.
Just as athletes sign letters of intent to play at the collegiate level, these nurses signed their names to join “Team Freeman.”
“Tonight is a celebration,” said Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Nursing Officer Jeanee Kennedy. “This moment marks your transition from preparation to performance, from training to team. Each of you deserves your place here for your great discipline, long nights, and an unwavering commitment to care.”
During the ceremony, held on the Missouri Southern State University campus, family and friends gathered around the signing table to celebrate their loved one’s hard-earned achievement, often punctuated by cheers and chants from the audience.
“You are signing on to a profession that changes lives every single day,” Kennedy continued. “You are choosing a department, a mascot, and a team that will shape you, and will be shaped by you.”
The nurses—who will enter various Freeman departments such as the birthing center, pediatrics, cardiology, emergency department, orthopedics, and transitional care unit (TCU), among others—will take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing the exam, they will become either registered nurses or licensed practical nurses at Freeman.
“This is a huge moment,” said Nathan Cantwell, Director of Freeman’s TCU, Cardiac Medical Unit, and Infusion Center. “What you guys are doing tonight represents all the late nights that you’ve spent studying, all the early mornings, all the caffeine over the years, all the stress and anxiety. I hope tonight you can take a moment to step back and just appreciate the finish line that you are now walking across.”
The 53 GN and GNP class marks the largest graduate nursing class since Freeman created the ceremony years ago.
“We are deeply grateful that you have chosen Freeman Health System as your place to grow your nursing career,” said Kristan Eaton, Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Human Resource Officer. “Your journey allows you to provide the care, compassion, and excellence that will make a meaningful difference to our patients and our community.”
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Freeman Appoints New System Director of Revenue Cycle
Christina Clifford Brings Vast Experience to Freeman Health System
Christina Clifford has been named Freeman Health System’s System Director of
Revenue Cycle. She’s excited to return to the employer that helped launch her professional
career from 2007 to 2015 as Freeman’s patient accounts support coordinator.
“[Freeman] is where I first discovered my passion for healthcare revenue-cycle operations and
improvement,” Clifford said. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams across
multiple health systems and physician groups, focusing on technical billing, workflow
optimization, and compliance. Returning to Freeman feels meaningful and full circle. I’m
grateful for the chance to bring my experience back to an organization that serves the
community I care deeply about.”
After leaving Southwest Missouri, Clifford worked for various healthcare systems based in
Texas, Maryland and, most recently, Michigan, where she worked for Healthrise, in support of
Trinity Health System, as regional director of revenue site operations and revenue integrity.
What excites her most about her new role at Freeman has everything to do with partnering
with teams systemwide to strengthen processes, reduce friction, and support the people doing
the difficult day-to-day work, she said.
Freeman’s Dr. Derek Miller Noted by Newsweek for Knee Surgery Excellence
Top Knee Doctor in Nation
JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System’s Dr. Derek Miller was named one of America’s most talented knee surgeons working in the field today by New York-based news magazine Newsweek and global data intelligence firm Statista.
The accolade, the board-certified surgeon admitted, caught him off guard.
“I first found out when my office notified me that I was ranked the number 19th knee surgeon in the United States,” Dr. Miller said. “For sure it’s quite an honor, given that there are more than 25,000 orthopedic surgeons practicing in the U.S.”
Dr. Miller said it’s always good to receive affirmation for the quality care he and his team provide daily to their patients at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Joplin.
“Especially when you consider the metrics that they use; complication rates, ER visits, unplanned re-admissions and doctor performance data from Medicare claims,” the board-certified surgeon said. “I think these are the things that people really care about – optimizing patient outcomes.
“To be honest, it takes a team to get results like we have,” he said. “I’m blessed with an incredible office staff that is both thorough and detail-oriented, and OR (operating room) personnel who are really good at their jobs and just truly care about people.”
Dr. Miller specializes in primary and revision knee and hip replacements, performing 500-plus surgeries each year.
“Joint replacement is a rewarding surgery,” he said. “And often, it’s truly life-changing for so many of my patients. Their quality of life has suffered as they become so debilitated and disabled from arthritis, or maybe they’ve had a terrible injury in the past. I have the privilege of helping relieve their pain and ultimately improve quality of life.”
Dr. Miller, who has been at Freeman for 18 years, is a primary user of the CORI robotic-assisted total knee system, a technological wonder that allows greater precision than traditional knee instrumentation of the past, increasing both patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes. He also utilizes lovera injections, which freezes the nerves to a patient’s knees, providing immediate, non-opioid pain relief for up to 90 days.
“It’s technology like these combined with a competent, compassionate team that makes Freeman the leader in knee surgery and gets us this kind of national recognition,” he added.
Dr. Miller is currently accepting new patients at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 3105 McClelland Blvd. in Joplin. Call 417.347.5400 to make an appointment.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center, the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services, as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Freeman Appoints New Vice President of Imaging Services
Hector Juarez Brings Extensive Experience to Key Community Service
JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman officials are proud to announce the appointment of Hector Juarez as Freeman Health System’s new Vice President of Imaging following an extensive nationwide search.
Juarez brings vast experience to Joplin’s largest employer, having overseen multi-site imaging operations while supervising more than 30 facilities across multiple markets during his career.
“I am ecstatic to be part of Freeman Health System,” Juarez said, who starts this week. “I look forward to working with our teams to expand imaging services and ensure our surrounding communities have access to high quality, innovative care.”
Prior to moving to Southwest Missouri, Juarez successfully directed daily operations of more than 350 employees across 16 departments at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma centers. He directed one of Houston’s largest and most complex imaging programs, performing more than 372,000 examinations annually and leading initiatives that improved efficiency, expanded access, and enhanced patient experience. As the flagship facility of the Memorial Hermann Health System, TMC anchors one of Texas’ largest not-for-profit health systems, comprising 17 hospitals, eight cancer centers, and three heart institutes.
“We’re excited to welcome Hector to Freeman Health System as our new Vice President of Imaging,” said Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry. “His deep expertise and engaging leadership style will help shape our future and ensure we are able to provide exceptional care to our patients.”
Hector holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Midwestern State University. He is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as both a Registered Radiologic Technologist and a Registered Computed Tomography Technologist.
“I believe in leading imaging services through collaboration that blends data driven strategy with a people first approach,” Juarez said of his vision for Freeman’s imaging services moving forward. “When leaders invest in their teams, excellence in patient care naturally follows.”
Freeman, accredited by the American College of Radiology, offers a full range of services that include state-of-the-art computed radiography, computed tomography (CT), stationary positron tomograph/computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, digital mammography – including the region’s first use of the GE Healthcare’s Senographe Pristina™ Dueta 3-D mammography system – and diagnostic angiography.
“As technology continues to evolve, we want to make imaging more accessible, more efficient, and more robust, ensuring patients across our region have access to the very best imaging services,” Juarez said.
His goal for Freeman Health System is a simple one: “I want to advance imaging as both a clinical and community resource, aligning our services with Freeman’s strategic planning, growth, and improving the overall patient experience.”
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran Shows Support with Visit to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital
Stately Visit
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan) paid an impromptu visit to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Friday morning, roughly 24 hours after the facility’s long-awaited public opening in Fort Scott.
Calling the facility “impressive,” Moran – the long-time advocate for rural health care in Kansas – was given a brief tour of the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital by Freeman’s Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals Renee Denton and Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.
“There was this email about ‘something exciting happened in Fort Scott today,” Moran said, following a plane flight from Washington D.C. He immediately reached out to Freeman officials, asking if he could visit the new hospital.
During its first full day of operation, Freeman Health System’s newest hospital recorded seven patients at the ED, including one patient in need of immediate cardiac intervention that was sent urgently to Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.
Moran learned details about the hospital while shaking hands with Freeman nurses and the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Mark Brown, inside the emergency department.
“I’m here to see what you do on day two,” the Senator said. “I appreciate your passion, and I wish you all the best.”
Making certain Kansas residents have easy access to affordable, quality health care has been one of the Senator’s core beliefs. He has spoken extensively in the past about the challenges facing rural hospitals in Kansas, citing the closure of facilities across the Sunflower state. He’s publicly supported Freeman’s efforts to reopen the city’s emergency department and establish the 10-bed acute medical center for Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents to utilize.
During his visit, Moran pledged to help expedite the process concerning the hospital’s upcoming credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.
“His desire to be on site day two not only shows his support, but his continued commitment was evident with his offer to assist however he can to expedite the CMS survey process to receive our CMS certification,” Denton said, adding that he also has penned a letter of support in favor of the Freeman Fort Scott hospital to CMS officials. “That will be our final hurdle.”
Moran also pledged to look into the time-consuming process Missouri-based Freeman physicians must undergo to receive their required licensure to practice medicine in Kansas.
Having worked closely with Moran, via email and Zoom meetings, for many months, “I can tell you he is very passionate about affordable healthcare and making sure all rural communities have access to it,” Walden said.
For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Opens Following Successful Kansas Licensure Survey
Up and Running
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – As of 9:00 am Thursday, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. is open for business.
The official opening follows the successful completion of the Kansas Licensure Survey. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Freeman’s mission to expand access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare throughout Southeast Kansas.
“This has been an exciting, and very long journey with many working diligently to support the reopening of this hospital! The overwhelming support and positive response from the community has been humbling and we are so honored to join the Fort Scott community and reopen a hospital and emergency department for the Bourbon County residents, assuring they have access to inpatient and emergency care,” said Renee Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals.
The last time Fort Scott residents enjoyed access to a full-service, hometown-based hospital was 2018, which has forced local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.
“We are thrilled to open our doors in Fort Scott and begin serving this vibrant community,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and tireless efforts of community stakeholders and our entire team. We are deeply proud to bring Freeman’s standard of care to the people of Southeast Kansas.”
Freeman officials first announced the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – to a crowd of nearly 150 local residents in June 2024.
“We had a staff huddle this morning and I told them, ‘It’s a great day to open a hospital,’” said Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. “Today is the culmination of 14 months in the making, and it’s been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make today even possible. Of course, the support from the citizens of this community and from Bourbon County has been overwhelming.
“Our success will be dependent on the community utilizing the services of our hospital,” she added.
Freeman officials were notified Wednesday evening that the hospital had successfully passed the Kansas licensure survey. The survey is a rigorous process that ensures hospitals meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care. Passing this survey affirms Freeman’s readiness to provide exceptional healthcare services in Fort Scott — and reflects the strength of the organization’s culture and commitment to excellence. Now, attention turns to passing a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and personalized care. The opening represents not only a physical expansion, but also a cultural one — reinforcing Freeman’s values of compassion, collaboration, and community investment.
Freeman Health System extends its heartfelt thanks to every team and community member who contributed to this achievement. Their dedication and teamwork made this moment possible — and their continued efforts will shape the future of healthcare in the region.
For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Fort Scott Freeman Hospital and Emergency Department Opens Today
At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee this morning, Fort Scott Freeman Hospital Board members Lindsay Madison and Don Doherty announced they had received notice that the hospital and emergency department, long-awaited by the community, is open today. The hospital is located at 401 Woodland Hills, the former Mercy Hospital building.
More information will be provided as it becomes available from Freeman Hospital staff.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Coming Soon
Almost everything is in place, people hired and just a few items left to open Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and Emergency Department, at the former Mercy Hospital.
The building is owned by Kansas Renewal Institute, with Freeman and other entities leasing from them.
On August 22, local officials, community leaders, along with Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce members were invited to hear from Freeman Fort Scott Hospital leaders and take a guided tour of the newly repurposed facility at 401 Woodland Hills Boulevard to view the progress.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison welcomed the Freeman staff and expressed the community’s gratitude for Freeman Hospital coming to our community.
Anita Walden, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Chief Administrative Officer, told the attendees that the process “has been a collaborative effort with a lot of people…there are still a few minor things that need to happen.”
The community will play a vital role in supporting access to quality healthcare here by using the emergency department and the hospital for their healthcare needs, she said.
To open, three government surveys need to take place and one has taken place, on August 18.
This brings the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care closer to fruition.
The multi-million-dollar project is still on track to open at the end of 2025, Freeman officials said in the press release.
To view the press release:
https://fortscott.biz/news/freeman-fort-scott-hospital-inc-achieves-significant-milestones
The Emergency Department
Dr. Mark Brown, the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Emergency Department’s Director, is from the Coffeyville area. He will also serve as the medical staff president.
There are six beds in the emergency department, and it will have a physician 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Freeman has leased Suite A in the clinic area of the building, and Gregory King, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, will be housed there as soon as possible, said Anita Waldren in a group tour of the facility.
Brown told the tour group the hospital will have two nurses and one technician at all times, serving the 10-bed hospital. There will be eight semi-private and two private rooms on the medical floor.
Covering medical services at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will be local doctors, Dr. Katrina Burke, Dr. Richard Kellenberger, and Dr. P.K. Gugnani, Walden said during the tour.
The outpatient services check-in office is located near the emergency department.
Brief History of the Community’s Health Care
Located on the city’s southside and adjacent to Hwy. 69, the facility has housed no hospital since the closing of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott in December 2018.
Mercy Hospital served the community from 1886 until 2018, and closed, citing “patients leaving the area to seek health care services in larger communities and declining reimbursement, especially from government payers, which make up the largest source of revenue,” according to Mercy’s announcement in 2018.
https://fortscott.biz/news/mercy-hospital-fort-scott-to-close
Ascension Via Christi provided an emergency department at the facility from 2019 until 2023. Their decision to close operations was “was made after a thorough analysis of trend data, patient census, and the current and future challenges and opportunities facing this facility,” according to AVC’s announcement in 2023.
The facility also houses other entities:
TFI, Foster Care and Child Welfare Services office is located on the ground level of the building as well.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Achieves Significant Milestones
Countdown’s Begun
In the past 30 days, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. has achieved several significant milestones, bringing the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital closer to fruition.
The multi-million-dollar project is still on track to open at the end of 2025, Freeman officials said.
Independent surveys underway
On Monday, August 18, Freeman officials learned that Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. – located inside the city’s former hospital site at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – successfully passed the critical life safety physical plant survey, which was conducted on July 23. The survey is a comprehensive assessment of the medical facility to ensure it meets standards and regulations related to fire and life safety.
This was the first of three surveys the hospital must complete, said Anita Walden, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s chief administrative officer.
“The passing of that first survey now triggers the second required survey, which is the state licensure survey,” she said.
A state licensure survey is a formal evaluation conducted to ensure a health care facility complies with state laws and regulations regarding the provision of care, patient safety, and overall operations.
Officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have received notification that the hospital has passed the life safety survey and are now ready for the licensure survey, which will be conducted by their office.
“We are currently awaiting notification from KDHE of when they will be onsite to perform the survey,” Walden said. “Our hope is this survey will take place in the next few weeks.”
Following a successful state licensure survey, the Freeman facility must then pass a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials. The public will be notified when the hospital is ready to open for business.
“We’ve been hearing from multiple community leaders, businesses, and residents about their eagerness to see us open, and I can promise you we are working diligently to make that happen,” Walden said. “We just appreciate the community’s support and their patience as we near opening day.”
Medical Director named
Dr. Mark Brown, a Freeman doctor and Kansas native, was recently named medical director over Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s emergency department.
“This is a rare opportunity to be able to open a new emergency department and to expand Freeman’s footprint in Southeast Kansas,” Dr. Brown said. “This gives us the ability to provide emergency care to the residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding region that has been without acute care for some time.”
Fort Scott has been without a hospital since 2018, and a dedicated emergency room since late 2023.
“I myself grew up in rural Kansas and know how important access to quality health care and especially emergency services can be,” he said. “I spent over 20 years of my career in medicine, working as a paramedic in rural Kansas. I have seen firsthand how rural hospitals and rural emergency departments can make a positive impact on patient outcomes.”
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s emergency department will provide year-round, 24/7 coverage to Fort Scott and the surrounding Bourbon County communities.
Aside from his physician medical director duties, Dr. Brown will also serve as medical staff president.
“I will be performing administrative duties as well as performing direct patient care while working shifts in the emergency department,” he said.
His licensed physicians and trained nursing staff will be well prepared to provide elite emergency care.
“Dr. Brown is a clinical expert who has been providing emergency care as a physician for 20-plus years. Before becoming a physician, he served the Kansas community as a flight paramedic, often transporting critical patients,” said Renee Denton, Freeman’s Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. “We are very fortunate that Dr. Brown has returned to the Kansas community to ensure that our patients receive expert, quality care.”
“Freeman Health System is excited to be in Fort Scott,” Dr. Brown added. “We want to be a part of this community and provided the community with the best health care possible.”
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Freeman Wins Multi-Disciplinary Quality Improvement Award
Improving Patient Outcomes Across Multiple Clinical Specialties
Joplin, MO. – Freeman Health System has received the American Heart Association’s Commitment to Quality award for achieving high performance across three or more clinical areas in the Get With The Guidelines® program.
This is the first year for this special award level. Only 158 hospitals in the nation met the criteria for this award; hospitals earning this new award demonstrate a comprehensive approach to quality improvement. By participating in three or more Get With The Guidelines programs, they commit to using real-time data registries, evidence-based protocols and cross-disciplinary teamwork to raise the standard of care across multiple specialties.
“Freeman has an unwavering commitment to excellence that is exemplified through the active participation in the Get With The Guidelines Quality Registry,” said Paige Moschner, Service Line Director for Freeman’s Cardiac and Vascular Services. “By embracing evidence-based care and continuous improvement, Freeman is not only elevating cardiovascular outcomes but also setting a standard for compassionate, high-quality care in our community.”
Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association’s hospital-based quality improvement initiative that helps ensure patients are treated in accordance with the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines. Participating hospitals benefit from tools, resources and peer benchmarking to drive better patient outcomes.
“This award highlights the impressive commitment Freeman Health System has made to improving care across multiple disciplines,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By taking a systems-level approach to quality, these hospitals are building a foundation for better outcomes, fewer complications, and stronger communities.”
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Freeman Recognized for Providing High-Quality Cardio Care
American Heart Association’s Awards Showcases Life-Saving Care
Joplin, MO. – Freeman Health System has received five American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times, and fewer readmissions to the hospital.
Heart disease and stroke are the number 1 and number 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to American Heart Association data. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, Freeman qualified for the awards by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care.
“Freeman is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Paige Moschner, Director of Cardiac and Vascular Services at Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute. “Get With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in Southwest Missouri experience longer, healthier lives.”
This year, Freeman received the following achievement awards:
* Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center – Gold Plus Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
* Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
* Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes
* Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation Silver – Pediatric
* Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation Target Survival
“These awards show Freeman Health System’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Freeman can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates—a win for health care systems, families, and communities.”
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
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About Get With The Guidelines
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.