Texas Heart Institute Surgeons Recognized for Quality Care

HOUSTON, TX, February 15, 2024— Three Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care surgeons, Drs. James Livesay, Jennifer Cozart and Charles Hallman, have been recognized by the prestigious American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Quality Partners program.

This commendation comes on the heels of a recent recognition from the  National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Heart/Stroke Recognition Program (HRSP) that recognizes clinicians who use evidence-based measures to provide quality care to their CVD and stroke patients.

Recognition under the Surgical Quality Partner program highlights The Center’s unwavering commitment to continuously improving its surgical procedures and approaches, while ensuring that every step of the process is meticulously examined. This recognition assures patients that The Center’s Cardiovascular Surgery program is dedicated to providing high-quality care and is constantly striving for self-improvement, as verified against ACS standards.

“Our commitment to the ACS and NCQA programs ensures patients and their families can trust the care they receive aligns with the most rigorous standards in surgical quality,” said Dr. Jennifer Cozart.

The ACS Quality programs have been developed over a century of experience, and participation in these programs is a vital measure of surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care has demonstrated dedication to delivering the best possible patient care, thoroughly evaluating that care, and continuously striving for self-improvement.

This distinction underscores The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care’s commitment to maintaining and improving quality of care, preventing complications, and ultimately saving lives.

“We are honored to be recognized as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner and will continue to uphold the highest standards of surgical quality and patient care. Together, we will strive towards excellence, innovation, and a brighter future for our patients,” said Dr. Eduardo Hernandez, President of The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care.

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About The Texas Heart Institute® Center for Cardiovascular Care
Since its inception in 1962, The Texas Heart Institute has provided exceptional care to patients from around the world. The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care is its clinical practice specializing in cardiovascular care in a sophisticated, welcoming, patient-centric atmosphere. Fully integrated with The Texas Heart Institute’s research and education arms, The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care attracts local, regional, and international patients seeking excellent cardiovascular care as well as cardiologists and heart surgeons looking for expert opinions for their most challenging cases.

About The Texas Heart Institute®
The Texas Heart Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization that is improving cardiovascular health through trailblazing research, thought leadership, education, and patient care. Located within the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, and founded in 1962 by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley, The Texas Heart Institute performed the first successful heart transplant and total artificial heart implant in the United States. Since then, our physicians and surgeons remain recognized as worldwide leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of even the most complex cardiovascular conditions. Research programs at The Texas Heart Institute continue to push the boundaries of cardiovascular science by translating laboratory discovery to patient care. The Texas Heart Institute has been ranked among the top cardiovascular centers in the United States by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years.  www.texasheart.org

About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.