ThedaCare Physician Clinics Earn National Recognitions from American Heart Association

ThedaCare has been awarded the following recognitions: 

• Target: BP Gold Status
  • This award from AHA and the American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes health care organizations for achieving blood pressure control rates of 70 percent or more in their adult patient population with high blood pressure.
• Target: Type 2 Diabetes Gold Award
  • Organizations are recognized for practices improving quality of care through awareness, detection and management of type 2 diabetes by educating and empowering patients with evidence based information and tools.
• Check, Change, Control Cholesterol Participant
  • Systems are recognized for their commitment improving awareness, detection and management of cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

“The national recognitions from the American Heart Association demonstrate the commitment we have to our patients and families,” said Mark Cockley, MD, Chief Clinical Officer and President of the ThedaCare Clinically Integrated Network. “We’re proud of the team members who helped us achieve the quality standards by providing timely heart health information to our patients. There is a lot that can be done with patients up front, after and in between visits, such as offering follow-up checks, adjusting medication and making lifestyle changes.”

There are 116 million U.S. adults living with high blood pressure, the nation’s number one risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and less than half have it controlled to target level. Many patients are unaware of the deadly consequences associated with high blood pressure and that it can be managed working in partnership with their physician to create and follow a treatment plan. 

“High cholesterol and blood pressure are some of the controllable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, estimated to cause nearly 2.6 million deaths annually,” said Dr. Cockley. “Yet, a survey from the American Heart Association shows that nearly two-thirds of people who have high cholesterol don’t think they’re at high risk for a heart attack or stroke. ThedaCare strives to be a partner in health, and by providing resources and education to our patients, we hope that empowers each person to live their best life.”  

To help practices achieve their goals, AHA provides all participants with a dedicated website featuring a free program that includes tools and resources to help clinicians improve cholesterol control rates. 

“When doctors, clinics, patients and organizations like the American Heart Association and American Medical Association are all working towards the same goal, we have the opportunity for great success,” said Dr. Cockley. “We are pleased to be a part of the accomplishments of our patients as they manage blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.”  

ThedaCare, in partnership with b.well Connected Health, is now utilizing the app called Ripple. Ripple aims to help curb patient information overload by bringing various data points together, putting consumers in the center of the health care equation. Ripple is a tool that provides patients and communities with a simple, secure way to manage health, save time and, in the process, create greater peace of mind.

Through this personalized, portable platform, people have the ability to coordinate health information across providers, pharmacies and health care systems. Everyone who downloads Ripple and registers will be able to access their provider and insurance information securely, manage their medication, and receive alerts and reminders on future care needs, immunizations and preventative care, to name a few. The app also features education, research and access to monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, enabling patients with additional tools to reach their goals.

Ripple is now live and available for community members to download. For more information, visit: https://www.ripplebythedacare.org/.