Carson Tahoe Health affiliate, University of Utah Health, ranks No. 1

For seven years running, University of Utah Health Care (UUHC) has ranked among the nation’s top 10 academic medical centers in quality, safety and accountability. This year, University of Utah Health Care has risen to the top.

On Friday in Dallas, Vizient, Inc. announced UUHC finished in first place overall in its prestigious Quality and Accountability Study, besting more than 100 of the nation’s most distinguished academic medical centers. Earning the No. 1 spot in Vizient’s rigorous study means UUHC patients enjoy outstanding outcomes whether they’re having a baby or undergoing heart surgery. It also means UUHC posts low mortality rates and patients receive some of the safest care in the country. When discharged, they’re less likely to need to be readmitted.

The 2016 result matches UUHC’s previous best ranking of No. 1 in 2010.

“The Quality Leadership Award is unique in that it recognizes health care centers for providing great care to patients across all clinical lines — not just in one or two areas,” said Vivian Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., chief executive officer of University of Utah Health Care and dean of the School of Medicine. “Being recognized as No. 1 means our community has access to some of the best health care in the country. I’m honored to be a part of such a collaborative, innovative and talented group of people who are dedicated to improving lives and reducing suffering.”

Carson Tahoe Health became an affiliate of UUHC in 2013, and Carson Tahoe Cancer Center formed an affiliation in 2015 with the university’s Huntsman Cancer Institute. Through these strategic alliances, Carson City can tap into the world-class research and educational resources associated with one of the nation’s top academic institutions.

“Carson Tahoe Health is pleased to be an affiliate of UUHC and Huntsman, as they both share our dedication to ensuring our community has the best possible access to high quality care,” said Ed Epperson, CEO at Carson Tahoe Health. “We want to congratulate UUHC on receiving this prestigious national award, and we are proud to be associated with our country’s top-ranked academic medical center.”