Adena Health does not meet standards of top healthcare accreditation group

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A hospital system in Chillicothe that was the subject of several reports by NBC4 Investigates, has been notified that it does not meet the standards of a top healthcare accreditation organization.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance has denied Adena Health’s accreditation in credentialing. NCQA is a non-profit organization that bills itself as a top healthcare accreditation organization.

NCQA’s website shows only three other hospitals in the country have been denied this type of credentialing. According to the site, accreditation means the organization meets or exceeds standards. A denial means it did not.

To meet standards, an organization must meet a list of requirements, including best practices and high-quality care. NCQA states that, for the credentialing program, “it evaluates clinicians and practices that use teamwork and technology to deliver coordinated and patient-centered primary care.”

According to NCQA, Adena has appealed the decision. In a statement to NBC4, a spokesman for Adena wrote, “Adena Health has had a long, positive history and relationship with NCQA. As payor requirements evolve, we continue to work with the organization to meet those changing requirements. This work is not impacting our ability to credential, and we remain confident in our credentialing standards”

As NBC4 has previously reported, Adena is also being sued in federal court. An unsealed court filing alleged Adena knowingly submitted false and fraudulent claims for payment to Medicaid and other government reimbursement programs totaling millions of dollars.

NBC4 also reported on allegations that some of its cardiologists performed heart valve procedures back in 2022 without the proper credentials. Adena has vehemently denied those allegations to NBC4.