Rapid City, S.D., May 7, 2025 – Monument Health is proud to announce that Becker’s Hospital Review named Rapid City Hospital one of the top five hospitals in the U.S. with the lowest heart failure readmission rates, according to recent data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This achievement reflects a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to heart failure care and a steadfast commitment to optimizing outcomes for patients at every stage of the disease.
Between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, Monument Health Rapid City Hospital ranked fifth nationwide in minimizing readmissions for heart failure—an important indicator of high-quality, effective care.
This success is driven by the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and care coordinators who work seamlessly across disciplines to manage and support patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
“Our goal is Heart Success—not Heart Failure,” said Luis Hernandez, M.D., FACC, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist. “We changed the name of our program to reflect a message of hope and empowerment. Patients with heart failure deserve to feel supported, not overwhelmed.”
Under Dr. Hernandez’s leadership, the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Monument Health leverages the latest evidence-based medical therapies, innovative monitoring tools and advanced care devices to treat patients with late-stage disease. These include implantable hemodynamic monitors, cardiac resynchronization therapy, ventricular assist devices and when appropriate, referral for transplant evaluation.
“We focus on keeping patients out of the hospital and improving their quality of life by utilizing the most current therapies and maintaining strong communication across the care team and with families,” Dr. Hernandez added.
The Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute—home to western South Dakota’s largest cardiovascular group—offers a full continuum of care including diagnostic services, cardiothoracic surgery, clinical research and nationally accredited labs. The institute was also recognized as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025.
“This recognition highlights our commitment to patient centered and quality focused care at Monument Health. Dr. Hernandez and his team have built upon the framework created by John Heilman, M.D., FACC, Alex Schabauer, M.D., FSVMB, FACC, and many others. We have an amazing team here. It is a privilege to be a part of this group as we continue to improve the lives of patients with heart failure throughout our region,” said Joseph Tuma, M.D., FACC, FSCAI. “It reflects the strength of our integrated care model and our commitment to improving the lives of patients with heart failure throughout our region.”
