TMH Earns Prestigious Heartcare Center Designation

American College of Cardiology Recognizes TMH with National Distinction of Excellence

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 2, 2025) – Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare in partnership with the cardiologists at TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group, has been awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class cardiovascular care. This designation highlights TMH’s dedication to continuous quality improvement and patient-centered care, solidifying its status as a state and regional leader in heart health. TMH is one of only 11 hospitals in Florida to earn the prestigious HeartCARE Center designation. It is also one of just three organizations statewide—and the only hospital in the Panhandle or South Georgia region—to achieve this distinction. At this time, no organization in Georgia holds the designation.

The HeartCARE Center designation is awarded to hospitals and health systems that meet high standards for cardiovascular care. In addition to participating in at least two ACC Accreditation Services programs and National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) registries, hospitals must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to quality improvement through targeted programs such as the Patient Navigator Program: Focus MI, which helps close gaps in guideline-based care.

"TMH has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to providing top-tier heart care for their community," said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, Chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. "We are pleased to recognize Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare with the HeartCARE Center designation as a result of their exceptional clinical care and dedication to continuous improvement."

A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

With the new HeartCARE Center distinction, TMH solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to advancing cardiovascular care. The hospital’s continued focus on improving outcomes, investing in cutting-edge treatments and providing exceptional patient care underscores its mission to enhance the heart health of the community it serves.

"We are incredibly proud of this latest achievement, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our heart and vascular team. The HeartCARE Center distinction is considered the ultimate recognition by the ACC," said Daniel Cavallo, Assistant Vice President, Service Lines & Allied Health.

TMH’s Comprehensive Cardiovascular Recognitions:

TMH has long been at the forefront of providing specialized heart care, and this new distinction follows a series of other prestigious cardiovascular recognitions and accreditations that underscore the excellence of its heart and vascular services.

• Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation: TMH has earned the highest level of accreditation for chest pain centers from the ACC. The hospital utilizes percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat heart attack patients rapidly, minimizing heart muscle damage. Additionally, the resuscitation designation highlights TMH’s robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest patients, which reduces the risk of brain injury.
• Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Accreditation for Echocardiography and Vascular Testing: TMH has been accredited for Adult Transesophageal and Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography, as well as for Extracranial Cerebrovascular Testing. This IAC recognition reflects the hospital’s commitment to the highest standards of quality in both echocardiography and vascular testing.
• Transcatheter Valve Certification from the ACC: TMH has earned this certification for its excellence in treating patients undergoing transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures. The certification evaluates the hospital’s multidisciplinary teams, training programs, patient safety and clinical outcomes.
• U.S. News & World Report, Heart Attack & Heart Failure Recognition: TMH has been named a High-Performing Hospital in heart attack and heart failure by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition is based on key data points such as patient outcomes and volume, with TMH performing significantly better than the national average in heart attack and heart failure care.
• Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care: Designated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, this recognition highlights TMH’s excellence in providing comprehensive cardiac care, including coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve surgery and angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention).
• ACC Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Accreditation: TMH’s cardiac catheterization labs have been accredited by the ACC for their commitment to high-quality care, innovative education and adherence to rigorous safety standards.

"At TMH, we continually strive for excellence in every aspect of patient care, and these recognitions serve as an affirmation of our commitment to quality and innovation in cardiovascular care," said Cavallo.