What is a key requirement for a facility to be designated as a destination therapy center?

A key requirement for a facility to be designated as a destination therapy center is continuous membership in a national, audited registry for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. This membership is crucial because it ensures that the center adheres to standardized protocols and quality measures in the care of patients receiving these advanced therapies. The registry provides a platform for tracking outcomes and improving patient care through data analysis and shared best practices.

Being part of an audited registry indicates that the facility is committed to maintaining high standards of care and is actively involved in a community that prioritizes research and quality improvement in heart failure treatments. This ongoing data collection not only guides clinical practices but also supports the facility in demonstrating their competence and performance in managing patients who require destination therapy.

While good standing with local insurance providers and affiliations with academic institutions can be beneficial for operational and research support, they are not mandatory requirements for designation as a destination therapy center. Regular updates to cardiac surgery techniques, although important, do not specifically address the continuous monitoring and evaluation needed for the advanced therapies provided at such centers.