Baptist Health South Florida has become the first hospital system in the U.S. to achieve ACE accreditation, the seven-hospital system announced.

ACE, an independent organization sponsored by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and the American College of Cardiology Foundation, offers evaluation and monitoring of facilities that provide cardiovascular care. By reviewing facility and operator performance and comparing clinical decision-making to nationally accepted best practices, ACE peer review and accreditation services plays a critical role in continuous quality improvement programs.

Headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., Baptist Health is a $3.6 billion not-for-profit organization composed of seven hospitals and more than 30 outpatient facilities, including Baptist Hospital of Miami and South Miami Hospital.

To learn how Baptist Health South Florida approached accreditation, please read "Accreditation Makes Good Business Sense" in the May 2012 issue of Cardiovascular Business.