Clay County Medical Center Recognized as Health Quality Innovator of the Year Runner-Up

Clay County Medical Center (CCMC) has been recognized as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year runner-up by Health Quality Innovators (HQI), an organization dedicated to advancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.

CCMC earned recognition in the Population Health category for its successful Transitional Care Management (TCM) program. The category honors organizations that improve the health of patients and communities through prevention, treatment, care coordination, and expanded access to healthcare services.

Launched in October 2023, the TCM program focuses on ensuring patients receive timely follow-up care within seven days of hospital discharge. This critical transition period often presents challenges for patients as they move from inpatient care back to their homes and daily routines.

Since the program's implementation, CCMC has significantly improved its post-discharge follow-up rate from 86.96% to 97.56%, with a continued goal of reaching 100%. Through collaboration among a multidisciplinary care team, the program has strengthened patient education, improved communication with primary care providers, enhanced medication reviews, and increased follow-up outreach efforts.

“We are incredibly proud of the strides our team has made with the Transitional Care Management program,” said Austin Gillard, CEO of Clay County Medical Center. “Being recognized as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year reflects our team’s commitment to providing high-quality care and ensuring our patients receive the support they need throughout their recovery.”

The recognition highlights CCMC’s dedication to improving patient outcomes, reducing avoidable readmissions, and strengthening continuity of care across the communities it serves.

The CCMC Transitional Care Management Team includes Jessica Badsky, Melissa Spellman, Jeanette Collin, Janet Fisher, Claudine Irwin, Trisha Finkbiner, Julie Crimmins, and Aspen Elledge.

January 30, 2025