NCSH Awarded Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission

North Carolina Specialty Hospital is proud to announce that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Earning Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement

The Disease Specific Care Certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the presurgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon.

NCSH underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on January 29, 2025. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including providing a safe environment for care, educating patients about the risks and options for diagnosis and treatment, protecting patient rights (including privacy rights), safeguarding patients against infection, and planning for emergency situations. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend North Carolina Specialty Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher-quality, and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

Randi Shults, CEO of North Carolina Specialty Hospital, says, “Earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of ApprovalⓇ for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement is a proud milestone for North Carolina Specialty Hospital. It reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire team to ensure every patient receives the safest, most effective care possible. This certification highlights our continued focus on clinical excellence, innovation, and exceptional outcomes in total hip and knee replacement.”

A disease-specific care program pursuing The Joint Commission certification must demonstrate that it delivers care, treatment, and services in accordance with current clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based practices. NCSH assembled a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, and administrative staff to meet these standards. Together, they studied The Joint Commission’s certification requirements and developed a comprehensive plan to ensure full compliance and align all aspects of the joint replacement program with nationally recognized best practices.

About North Carolina Specialty Hospital

North Carolina Specialty Hospital has been serving the Raleigh-Durham area since 1926. Specializing in a wide range of surgical services—including orthopedics, ophthalmology, ENT, sports medicine, joint replacement, pain management, and more—NCSH is recognized as one of the best hospitals for orthopedic surgery in North Carolina. If you’re considering surgery, NCSH offers advanced surgical care and excellent patient-centered care to support your journey and recovery. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced surgeons and take a confident step toward better health.

For more certification information, please visit The Joint Commission website.