SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Centralia earns high performing award in Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatment

Over 6,000 hospitals were evaluated, and eligible hospitals received one of three ratings — high performing, average, or below average

September 01, 2023 10:54 AM -

CENTRALIA, IL – SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia has earned a high performing award in Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatment from U.S. News. A hospital's COPD score is based on several data categories, including patient survival, discharging patients to home, nurse staffing and more.

Dr. Aziz Rahman

COPD is a condition that constricts airways causing difficulty or discomfort in breathing. Smoking and air pollution are common causes of COPD. Individuals with COPD are at a higher risk for other health problems. Although COPD is non-curable, the symptoms are treatable.

“I have been here for 41 years. I began the Pulmonary Rehab Program here at St. Mary’s Hospital. I am happy to see that we are doing such a good job within the Pulmonary Department. Around 60-70% of my patients come in to be treated for COPD. We are always accepting new patients,” stated Aziz Rahman, MD, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Sleep Medicine at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.

When you can't breathe, it impacts every aspect of your life. At SSM Health, we are committed to providing you with exceptional care to help improve your life and give you the freedom to live the way you want. Our pulmonologists work closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Learn more about COPD and request an appointment with an SSM Health Pulmonologist today. Dr. Aziz Rahman’s office in Centralia, IL can be reached at 618-532-0998.

About SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia, operating in partnership with the Felician Sisters, is a 113-bed hospital specializing in behavioral health, bariatric surgery, wound/hyperbaric care, cancer treatments, and minimally invasive general surgical care along with pediatric emergency and NICU telemedicine program in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital of St. Louis, Mo.

In 2016, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital was named a “Best Hospital” by US News and World Report for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award for seven years in a row; the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award five years in a row; and in recent years the Critical Care Excellence Award. It also was recognized in 2016 through Quest by Premier Inc. with the Citation of Merit Award for High-Value Healthcare.

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