Budge Clinic Internal Medicine Receives Million Hearts Award

Budge Clinic Internal Medicine Recognized by Utah Million Hearts Coalition

One of just 46 winners statewide that showed excellence in blood pressure control

Logan, Utah – Today the Utah Million Hearts Coalition recognized Budge Clinic Internal Medicine for Excellence in Blood Pressure Control. With only 46 clinics recognized statewide, this exclusive achievement demonstrates Budge Clinic Internal Medicine’s dedication to its patients and continual focus on proper blood pressure control.

"Budge Clinic Internal Medicine’s award recognizes the hard work and dedication the clinic has made to meet the highest standards of clinical blood pressure care.” Said Kelly Robinson, Utah Million Hearts Coalition spokesperson. “More Utah providers, like Budge Clinic Internal Medicine, are taking blood pressure measurement and control to the next level by using evidence-based strategies to help patients keep blood pressure down – a strong sign that we’re making progress in preventing heart attacks and strokes and prioritizing patient care.”

Nearly 1 in 3 American adults has hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Only half have it under control, putting them at greater risk of developing heart disease or stroke – two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

To be eligible for the award, Budge Clinic Internal Medicine shared verifiable high blood pressure control data with the Utah Million Hearts Coalition and highlighted successful strategies or best practices they adopted, such as the use of health information technology or team-based care. Budge Clinic Internal Medicine achieved blood pressure control rates of 70 percent of adult patients by using a variety of innovative approaches, including:

• Making blood pressure measurement accuracy a priority
• Using evidence-based guidelines and protocols for high blood pressure diagnosis
• Continually training staff on correct measurement protocols
• using team-based care models to improve patient engagement
• Implementing consistent, strategic use of electronic health records that include patient reminders and visit summaries
• Staying engaged with patients by offering support and education tools

The Utah Million Hearts Coalition, a local effort of the national Million Hearts initiative, is made up of public and private health care organizations dedicated to preventing heart attacks. Visit http://choosehealth.utah.gov/healthcare/million-hearts.php for more information about the coalition.