Bigfork Valley has been ranked second in the nation by Becker’s Hospital Review for fastest patient aid, sharing the honor with two hospitals in Pennsylvania. The list was released on Sept 2 and ranked patient survey results reported to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services from the federal hospital patient satisfaction survey.

In a national list released in April 2014, Becker’s ranked Bigfork Valley #6 in the country in cleanliness of patient rooms, sharing the rank with two hospitals in Michigan and Virginia. Other recent rankings included #15 for nurse/patient communication (published August 2014) and #28 for physician/patient communication (published April 2014).

Launched in 2006, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) was intended to make the patient experience during a hospital stay transparent. The survey is sent to patients after discharge from a hospital and measures such things as cleanliness, quietness, interaction with doctors and nurses, and more. The results are collected independently and sent directly to Medicare where the figures are adjusted to compensate for such factors as hospital size.

There is a lag time of about nine months before results are released. In addition, Becker’s does not include hospitals with a low number of returned surveys.

Bigfork Valley is an acute care hospital located in Bigfork, Minn., employing over 200. In addition to general hospital and emergency services, the facility offers a wide range of health care services and senior living options. A secure memory care facility is scheduled to open on the campus in late 2014.

Becker’s Hospital Review is a monthly publication offering current business and legal analysis directed toward hospitals and health systems. For more information, visit www.beckershospitalreview.com and search “lists.”