WakeMed Awarded Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission

RALEIGH, N.C. (November 4, 2025) – WakeMed has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

“We’re proud to be recognized for setting a new benchmark in joint replacement care for patients across our community,” said Michael Ruffolo, MD, medical direction, WakeMed Orthopaedics, Total Joints. “This achievement reflects our commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality and patient-centered care in joint replacement. Our orthopeadic and surgical care teams are dedicated to helping patients restore mobility, relieve pain and return to the activities that bring meaning to their lives.”

After years of preparation, WakeMed Raleigh Campus, North Hospital and Cary Hospital each underwent a rigorous and comprehensive onsite review by the Joint Commission. During the site visits, the surveyor evaluated compliance with the certification standards including program management and the delivery and facilitation of clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The surveyor also conducted onsite observations and interviews with patients and providers.

The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, encompasses all phases of care including the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation, operative intervention, post-surgery hospitalization, rehabilitation activities and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. The breadth of this accreditation underscores the importance of the entire process needed to provide exemplary care for joint replacement patients. For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 973-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, a mental health & well-being hospital, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, two exceptional Trauma Centers—a Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh and a Level III Trauma Center in Cary, and more than 175 physician and physical therapy practice offices. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 12,500 employees, 1,200 volunteers, and 1,300 affiliated physicians along with a network of 900+ primary care and specialty providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.