Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Awards and Accreditations

Awards and Accreditations: Orthopedic Care

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) and Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics (CMHO), we believe the people of central and western Maine deserve to receive top-quality orthopedic care without having to travel long distances. You will receive the highest level of care — the level you would expect in large metropolitan hospitals — close to home.

We’re proud to have earned numerous accreditations and distinctions from national and regional organizations. These groups recognize that the care professionals on our orthopedic team provide excellent, supportive care to all our patients.

Blue Distinction® Center for Knee and Hip Surgery

In honor of our clinical expertise and quality of care, we have been designated a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. Blue Distinction Centers are recognized for demonstrating expertise and reliability in quality special care on a consistent basis, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients.

The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert provider and medical organization recommendations. To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, our program was evaluated on a range of specific criteria, including quality of care, experience and training of surgeons, clinical outcomes, patient support services and multidisciplinary work.

Blue Distinction Centers and Blue Distinction Centers+ for knee and hip replacement have demonstrated expertise in total knee and total hip replacement surgeries. These centers have lower complication rates and fewer hospital readmissions.

Access the provider directory of Blue Distinction Centers or Blue Distinction Centers+ designated providers for knee and hip replacement. Review the program selection criteria.

Blue Distinction® Center for Spine Surgery (BDC)

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics has been designated a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery (BDC) by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. Blue Distinction Centers are recognized for demonstrating expertise and reliability in quality special care on a consistent basis, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients.

Blue Distinction Centers and Blue Distinction Centers+ for spine surgery provide comprehensive spine surgery services, including laminectomy/discectomy, fusion and decompression procedures for cervical and lumbar spine. These centers have lower readmission rates and fewer reoperations.

Access the provider directory of Blue Distinction Centers or Blue Distinction Centers+ designated providers for spine surgery. Review the program selection criteria.

Cigna Center of Excellence Joint Replacement (Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement)

For each surgical procedure and medical condition Cigna evaluates, hospitals can receive a score of up to three stars (*) for patient outcomes and up to three stars for cost-efficiency measures. Hospitals that attain at least five stars total – three stars for patient outcomes plus two stars for cost efficiency OR three stars for cost efficiency plus two stars for patient outcomes – receive the Cigna Healthcare COE designation for that procedure or condition.

Aetna – Institutes of Quality (IOQ) Network Total Joint Replacement

The facilities in Aetna’s Institutes of Quality (IOQ) Orthopedic Care Network have met their quality requirements. They do many procedures and have shown clear clinical results. These standards provide value and quality to our members.

View more Central Maine Healthcare Awards and Accreditations

Awards and Accreditations: Cancer Care

Central Maine Healthcare is committed to bringing the highest national standards of cancer care right to the communities of central, western and mid-coast Maine. We’re proud to have earned numerous accreditations and distinctions—recognizing our cancer care teams who work tirelessly to help patients conquer this devastating disease.

Breast Center of Excellence

CMH’s Bennett Breast Care Center, a member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC), is accredited by several renowned professional healthcare organizations that supervise the quality of cancer care. It is also a participating member of the NQMBC (National Quality Measures for Breast Centers) which shows its commitment to measure and improve quality of care.

Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation

We have achieved full CoC accreditation from the American College of Surgeons, which is awarded only to those institutions that provide patients with comprehensive, state-of-the-art services from a multi-specialty team coordinating all aspects of cancer care. CoC further notes our program as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Care Program, indicating the full range of critical cancer care we provide to our community.

NAPBC

The Cancer Care Center at CMH has earned NAPBC (National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers) recognition status.  NAPBC provides the structure and resources needed to develop and operate a high-quality breast center. Accredited programs follow a model for organizing and managing a breast center to ensure multidisciplinary, integrated, comprehensive breast cancer services are delivered at the highest level.

Women’s Choice Award

Central Maine Healthcare has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care by the Women’s Choice Award. This designation notes a level of high-quality, personalized care and is given to only 9% of hospitals nationwide.

View more Central Maine Healthcare Awards and Accreditations

CMH News

Awards and Accreditations: Cardiovascular Services

Heart and Vascular Quality Care

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute is a state-of-the-art facility that uses evidence-based clinical practice, sound research and tested care principles to support excellent clinical outcomes. CMHVI is committed to providing continuous quality care to the communities we serve, our patients and their families. The providers and team members remain proud of the values that have served as a foundation for the program since its inception.

C = Compassion M = Mastery H = Honesty V = Vision I = Integrity

CMHVI is proud of these achievements:

  • Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke GOLD PLUS Central Maine Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
  • CMHVI Lifesaving Care from the American Heart Association
  • Cigna Center of Excellence for Cardiac Catheterization and Angioplasty
  • Cigna Center of Excellence for Heart Surgery
  • Named one of the Nation’s 50 top cardiovascular hospitals by IBM Watson Health
  • Accreditation for Quality Care in Advanced Primary Stroke by The Joint Commission
  • Chest Pain Center Accreditation – The American College of Cardiology

View more Central Maine Healthcare Awards and Accreditations

Why Choose Us: Orthopedics

Bone, joint or muscle pain can really hurt – especially when they keep you from what you love. We’ve helped thousands of people throughout central and western Maine find life-changing relief, and can do the same for you through:

Award-Winning Care

OICM has earned several elite distinctions, including the Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission for total hip, knee and shoulder replacement, as well as hip fracture care. That means you don’t need to travel to Portland or Boston for orthopedic excellence – you’ll find the highest, national standards of safety and care right here in your hometown.

Innovative Approach to Your Care

A key component to our success is the multidisciplinary care approach we’ve developed. We call it Core Connect Care℠, and it is the only program of its kind in Maine. On your initial visit, you’ll be paired with your own dedicated team, which may include your surgeon, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and other specialists, depending on your unique needs. These friendly, familiar faces will be with you at every step, creating a close connection and circle of care. Our aim is to make your experience as productive and stress-free as possible.

Outstanding Patient Results

Find extra peace of mind knowing that we consistently score higher than the national average of orthopedic facilities and hospitals. Our patients go home sooner, recover faster and report a higher level of comfort and satisfaction than most patients in other hospitals. We also have a 0% complication rate for many orthopedic procedures. Learn more about our exceptional patient outcomes.

Dedicated Joint Replacement Program

If joint replacement is right for you, rest assured you’re in highly skilled hands. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons are skilled in some the latest, most minimally invasive techniques available, like anterior hip replacement, to help you get moving again sooner.

Every step of your journey is highly coordinated, starting with pre-operative testing and an educational class so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure. From there, we’ll guide you seamlessly through surgery, physical therapy and life with your new joint.

Comprehensive Fracture Care

Our recognition by The Joint Commission® as one of the nation’s top-tier orthopedic programs means we’ve also achieved excellence in bone fracture care. After an accident or fall, we can quickly and effective repair even the most complex fractures, right on-site. Working closely with our rehabilitation team, we’re committed to helping restore full function and mobility, and get you back to enjoying life.

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

Best of all, it’s all offered at locations near where you live and work – so you never have to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Orthopedic Surgery

We know the thought of surgery can make anyone feel anxious. But with the experts at the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), you’ll find everything you need for success.

All our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified, performing a full range of procedures to treat knee, hip, shoulder, hand, wrist, elbow, foot and ankle pain.

Whenever possible, we use some of the most minimally invasive options available for joint replacement, spine surgery and more – each offering less pain, more mobility and a faster recovery.

From pre-operative education through personalized rehabilitation, we’ll here to support you at every step. And we’re part of your community, with orthopedic care centers conveniently located near where you live and work. So, you can stay focused on healing. 

Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Non-Surgical Options

Dealing with painful bones or joints can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your life. And it doesn’t have to mean surgery.

At the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM), we offer a full range of non-invasive options that can help effectively manage or even cure your pain. These treatments are usually quick, easy, virtually painless and involve little to no downtime.

One of our board-certified orthopedic specialists will work with you to find the best treatment for your specific condition. If needed, we also perform a full range of orthopedic procedures, including our joint replacement, using the most minimally invasive techniques available for less pain and faster recovery.

Therapy Services

At OICM, one of our licensed physical therapists can design a regimen that reduces your pain while also strengthening the key muscles that affect your joint. Your therapist can work with you short or long-term to make sure you’re doing specific exercises that increase your mobility and decrease your pain. Common therapy methods include bodyweight and aquatic exercises.

Your physical therapist may also apply ice and heat to your painful areas. Or, they make work alongside your treatment team to suggest ultrasound therapy or other procedures that can increase blood flow to the skin, helping to reduce pain.

Injections

Injections of substances like may be used to lubricate the joint, which reduces pain and improves mobility. These injections are administered in-office, making it one of the quickest and most convenient options.

Medication

Medication, including oral pain relievers and topical creams with the numbing agent lidocaine or bupivacaine, may help control your joint pain. Your provider will work with you to ensure you find the right prescriptions for your individual case to limit side effects and avoid drug interactions if you are taking other medications.

Cortisone Shots

Your provider might also recommend a steroid injection to reduce the inflammation (or swelling) of your joint.

The steroids are injected at the site of inflammation, and usually work to relieve pain within a few days and last several weeks.

 Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home

Best of all, it’s all offered at locations near where you live and work – so you never have to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Interpreter Services and Assistive Devices

Central Maine Healthcare recognizes, values and respects the personal worth and dignity of each patient served by our system. If you’re a patient or visitor with communication needs, we will provide you with immediate and equal access to appropriate and effective assistive communication services and devices.

Assistive Services

  • Live in-person interpreter
  • Video remote interpreting (VRI)
  • Over-the-phone interpreting (OPI)

Assistive Devices/Aids

  • TTY telecommunication devices
  • Amplified listening devices
  • Hearing aid compatible big button phone
    (Braille, strobe light and volume control)
  • Special nurse call bell (blow, squeeze, touch, air)
  • Baby cry alarm
  • Alerting devices for phone and/or door
  • Deaf and hard of hearing/visually impaired door sign
  • Page magnifier for visually impaired
  • Dry erase board
  • Pictogram book
  • Totes for supplies
  • Translated documents in top languages
Central Maine Healthcare_CMH-InterpretationServices_18x22Download

Request Your Medical Records

How To Request Your Medical Records

Maine law ensures that patients have the right to access and request disclosure of their medical information. Under this law, a patient’s medical record must be made available upon receipt of a written request from the patient or the patient’s representative. Any disclosure of medical records must be accompanied by the patient’s consent or authorization. Records of your hospital stay are maintained by the hospital’s Medical Records Department, also known as the Health Information Management Department.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at 207-795-2480, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

To request your medical records, please follow these steps:

1. Download the Release of Information form:

2. Ways to submit the completed and signed form:

To check on the status of a request, please contact us at 909-657-5767.

Please note: The patient or the patient’s representative must include a copy of a valid, government-issued photo ID with a signature when submitting the Release of Information Form.

For Attorneys, Law Firms, and Third Parties

Central Maine Healthcare uses ChartSwap, a secure, HIPAA-Compliant online platform, to process requests for medical and billing records. Register and submit requests through ChartSwap. Please note: Medical Records and Billing Records must be requested separately. A valid Release of Information form must be included with the request.

For subpoenas, please direct them to our service agent:

Cogency Global, Inc.
c/o Ezekiel Callanan
75 York Street, Suite 2
Portland, ME 04101