Ozarks Healthcare earns Primary Heart Attack and Primary Stroke Center Certifications 

Ozarks Healthcare has earned the prestigious Primary Heart Attack Center (PHAC) from the Joint Commission and Primary Stroke Center (PSC) Certifications from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), recognizing the health system’s commitment to providing life-saving, high-quality, timely, and evidence-based care for patients experiencing heart attacks and strokes.

These certifications highlight Ozarks Healthcare’s dedication to being the region’s leader in comprehensive cardiac and stroke system of care, ensuring patients have access to advanced, life-saving treatment close to home. Achieving Level II Stroke and STEMI designations ensures that patients in our community can receive expert care quickly, without traveling long distances.

The Primary Heart Attack Center Certification is designed for hospitals performing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and receiving referrals from other facilities.

The Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous objective third-party standards for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke, including the use of evidence-based protocols, rescue medications and coordination with emergency medical services. These centers provide immediate, specialized care that can significantly improve patient outcomes and recovery. Time is a crucial component in survivability from cardiac and neurologic injuries.

To achieve these certifications, Ozarks Healthcare demonstrated excellence in multiple areas, including emergency response coordination, catheterization and imaging services, and inpatient care. The certifications also require 24/7 coverage and availability of specialized teams to treat patients when every second counts.

“These certifications highlight our caregivers’ seamless collaboration and dedication to pursuing excellence,” Terence Farrell, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. “Especially as we observe Diabetes Awareness Month this November, it’s important to recognize that diabetes is a major risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. These certifications ensure that patients in our region have access to expert, coordinated care when it matters most.”

In celebration of these achievements and the ongoing investment in cardiac and stroke care, Ozarks Healthcare recently held a ribbon cutting for these centers of clinical excellence. The ceremony recognized the advanced technology, expanded capabilities, and collaborative efforts that support the health system’s ability to deliver rapid, lifesaving interventions for heart attack and stroke patients.

Ozarks Healthcare’s Stroke Certification is valid from August 21, 2025, through August 21, 2028, while its STEMI Certification as a Primary Heart Attack Center extends from October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2027. The next closest Level II facilities for stroke care are 100 miles away from Ozarks Healthcare.

Leading the heart and stroke care teams are Dr. Clara Applegate, neurologist, Dr. Hussain Ibrahim, Dr. A.K. George, Dr. Andrea Moyer, and Dr. Muhammad Khan, cardiologists, who ensure that patients receive rapid, coordinated, and expert treatment when every second counts.

Ozarks Healthcare Cardiology offers a full range of cardiac services, from prevention and diagnosis to advanced treatment and rehabilitation. The center’s team of board-certified cardiologists and pulmonologists provides care for conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and lung disease. Advanced diagnostic tools, including echocardiography, stress testing, and cardiac catheterization, allow the team to deliver personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Ozarks Healthcare Neurology provides care for diseases and disorders of the nervous system, specializing in the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Clinic staff are able to care and provide critical rehabilitation to help stroke patients live life to the fullest during stroke recovery.

For more information about Ozarks Healthcare Cardiology, Neurology, and cardiac services, visit www.ozarkshealthcare.com.  

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Ozarks Healthcare recently held a ribbon cutting recognizing its Primary Heart Attack Center (PHAC) from the Joint Commission and Primary Stroke Center (PSC) Certifications from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).