Leapfrog and American College of Surgeons Announce New Hospital Recognition Program
The Recognized Leader Programs are developed through trusted partnerships with leading health care organizations to measure performance, recognize excellence, and address evolving areas of patient care. As new opportunities emerge, the programs continue expanding to recognize hospitals leading the way in specialized care.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and The Leapfrog Group have launched the Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery program, a new national designation that will recognize hospitals providing exceptional surgical care for older adults beginning in 2027.
“The Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery program highlights hospitals that are going the extra mile to protect older patients facing higher surgical risks – and that’s reassuring to us at any age, because it’s extremely worrisome when your parent or grandparent or other loved one goes in for surgery,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.“There are few organizations Leapfrog would trust more than the American College of Surgeons. Together we will help guide patients and families, as well as employers and health plans, toward the best care.”
The designation combines the evidence-based standards of the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program with patient safety measures from the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade to help patients, families, employers, and health plans identify hospitals committed to safe, high-quality surgical care for aging patients.
“Older adults face higher risks when undergoing surgery, and factors like frailty can significantly increase the likelihood of complications. They benefit greatly from shared decision-making and care designed specifically for their goals,” said Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, senior vice president, Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons. “By working with The Leapfrog Group, we can recognize hospitals that are meeting rigorous standards and advancing surgical care for older patients.”