New Albany, Indiana – January 6, 2010 – Kleinert Kutz Surgery Center in affiliation with Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to its patients.

Status as an accredited organization means Kleinert Kutz has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. More than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

"We believe our patients deserve the best," stated Dr. Kutz. "When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest care possible."

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association's expert surveyor. The survey is consultative and educational; presenting best practices to help an organization improves its care and services.

"Going through the process challenges us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to our patients and the quality of care we provide," said Dr. Kutz.

About Kleinert Kutz

Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center is one of the largest hand care programs in the world, pioneering achievements in hand and microsurgery, research, therapy and orthotics. The physicians of Kleinert Kutz offer expertise in orthopedic and plastic surgery and provide comprehensive upper extremity care – from major trauma and replantations to less serious problems such as minor injuries.

Kleinert Kutz performed the World's First in the following:

• First reported repair of a digital artery
• First reported successful technique for primary flexor tendon repair in "No Man's Land"
• First vascularized epiphyseal transfer
• First bilateral forearm replantation
• One of the world's first cross-hand replantations
• Pioneered work in primary reconstruction using free tissue transfer
• First bilateral upper arm replantation
• National award for research in blood flow to the nerves
• World's Most Successful hand transplant

About Floyd Memorial

Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health has partnered with Kleinert Kutz through the surgery center to offer outpatient surgical services to the residents of southern Indiana.
Floyd Memorial is a regional healthcare provider for the Kentuckiana area. The hospital received the prestigious HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Designation in 2009, ranking it in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for clinical quality, and Floyd Memorial's cardiovascular services and surgery, gastrointestinal procedures, services and care, and pulmonary care were all rated "Best Rated in Louisville/Southern Indiana" by HealthGrades in their 2010 HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study. For more information, please visit www.floydmemorial.com.