Hospital earns fifth consecutive HeartCARE Center™ National Distinction of Excellence

Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital and Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, has once again earned the prestigious HeartCARE Center™ National Distinction of Excellence from the American College of Cardiology – making the fifth consecutive year the hospital has achieved this top national honor.

Frye Regional is one of only three hospitals in North Carolina and 80+ nationwide to hold the ACC’s highest recognition for cardiovascular care.

“We are pleased to earn this honor, which reflects the compassionate and evidence-based care we provide to our cardiac patients,” said Philip Greene, MD, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “Our dedicated health care providers, cath lab and surgical teams deliver outstanding outcomes and continue to advance both acute and preventive cardiac care for our patients and community.”

According to the ACC, HeartCARE Center-designated hospitals demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence in cardiovascular care through comprehensive process improvement, disease and procedure-specific accreditation, professional education and community engagement. Frye Regional earned this designation by meeting specific criteria, on-site evaluations and proven quality standards.

Accreditation and quality awards demonstrate continued commitment to heart care

In addition to the HeartCARE Center designation, Frye Regional holds:

• Cardiac Catheterization with PCI Accreditation (2025-2028)
• Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation (2023-2026)

The hospital also earned the 2025 NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award. These achievements demonstrate Frye Regional’s unwavering focus on patient safety, treatment and exceptional cardiovascular outcomes.

Recognized among top hospitals for cardiac care

Frye Regional’s heart program has also been nationally honored through Healthgrades 2025 Specialty Care Awards, including:

• Five-Star Distinction in Defibrillator Procedures (2026)
• Five-Star Distinction in Pacemaker Procedures (2025-2026)

Frye Regional is one of only two hospitals in North Carolina to achieve Five-Star ratings in both defibrillator and pacemaker procedures.

Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Frye Regional as High Performing in Pacemaker Implantation in its 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition.

These accolades accompany other distinctions such as The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Heart Failure Accreditation and Primary Stroke Center Certification.

Duke affiliation enhances advanced care close to home

Frye Regional is proud to be a Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, providing patients across Catawba and surrounding counties access to nationally recognized cardiovascular expertise. Through this collaboration, local providers receive advanced education and support from Duke Heart Center’s leading specialists to ensure care aligns with the latest evidence-based practices.

Access expert heart care

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Frye Regional heart specialist, visit FryeMedCtr.com/heart-care or call 828.261.0009.