Watauga Medical Center has earned the Leapfrog Full Transparency Badge, recognizing the hospital's commitment to publicly reporting information about patient safety and quality through the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey.

The Full Transparency Badge is awarded to hospitals that complete, affirm, and submit all sections of the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, one of the nation's leading voluntary reporting programs focused on patient safety, quality, and transparency.

“Earning the Leapfrog Full Transparency Badge reflects our ongoing commitment to quality, patient safety and accountability,” said Nathan Nipper, President and CEO of UNC Health Appalachian. “Transparency helps patients and families make informed decisions about their care, and it reinforces the responsibility we have to continuously improve, protect those we serve and strengthen the health of our community.”

Watauga Medical Center’s participation in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey is part of UNC Health Appalachian’s broader commitment to using data, evidence-based practices and open reporting to improve care. By sharing information about safety and quality measures, the hospital supports greater accountability and helps patients, families and community members better understand the care available close to home.

This recognition also reflects the work of physicians, nurses, clinicians and teammates across UNC Health Appalachian who are focused on delivering safe, high-quality care for the High Country. Their efforts help advance the organization’s mission to improve health and support the well-being of the communities it serves.

"We applaud Watauga Medical Center for its commitment to transparency," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "Transparency is one of the most powerful drivers of improvement in health care. By fully participating in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, [Hospital Name] is helping patients and families access meaningful information about the safety and quality of their care."