Penrose–St. Francis Health Services has been named among the hospitals with the lowest 30-day readmission rates for heart failure nationally, according to recent data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), published by Becker’s Hospital Review.
This achievement reflects the strength of Penrose–St. Francis’ hospital programs and the critical partnership with the Colorado Springs Cardiology Heart Failure Clinic, led by Dr. Kimberly Dulaney with the support of coordinator Tawni Manalo, medical assistants Taryn Atencio, Soraya Sargent, and Carrie Pfaff, nurse practitioners Hadley Hofreiter and Deborah Griffin, and registered nurse Vanessa Jones.
Through close collaboration with inpatient teams, this dedicated group has driven significant improvements in patient outcomes, ensuring individuals living with heart failure receive seamless, high-quality care from hospitalization through outpatient follow-up.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of our team’s commitment to patient-centered care,” said Dr. Dulaney. “By working hand-in-hand with our hospital colleagues, we’ve been able to reduce readmissions, improve quality of life, and keep patients healthier at home.”
“As we look ahead, heart failure care is central to the shift toward value-based models,” said Dr. Derrick Fansler, CEO of Colorado Springs Cardiology. “Reducing avoidable readmissions not only improves outcomes for patients but also positions our clinic and hospital partners to succeed under evolving reimbursement structures. This is exactly the kind of work that creates lasting value for our patients and community.”
The national 30-day readmission rate for heart failure patients was 19.7%. Penrose–St. Francis achieved a rate of 16.6%, placing it among the top-performing hospitals in the U.S.
Colorado Springs Cardiology and Penrose–St. Francis will continue expanding innovative care models to further strengthen outcomes for patients in Southern Colorado.
About Colorado Springs Cardiology
Colorado Springs Cardiology is a physician-led group delivering some of the highest quality cardiovascular care in Southern Colorado. Over nearly 50 years, the practice has grown into a unified team of 40 board-certified cardiologists and advanced practice providers, offering a full range of services from clinical and interventional cardiology to electrophysiology, structural heart care, peripheral arterial disease, venous disease, heart failure management, and chronic wound treatments.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to improve lives and strengthen our community by providing exceptional cardiovascular care in partnership with our patients.
Vision Statement:
Colorado Springs Cardiology envisions a future where the cardiovascular health of Southern Colorado is elevated through unwavering service, strong partnerships, and clinical excellence.