Contact: Ellen Bank

843.792.2626

Sept. 17, 2003

MUSC MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES CONSUMER CHOICE AWARD

Charleston, SC -- The National Research Corporation has named the MUSC Medical Center as among the 175 hospitals nationally that have been honored with its 2003 Consumer Choice Award.

The MUSC Medical Center is the only institution in the Charleston market to receive this award and this is the sixth year in a row that the medical center has been recognized.

The National Research Corporation (NRC) said that the winners are the hospitals that consumers choose as having the highest quality and image in 130 markets throughout the U.S. The ratings are based on measures indicative of quality from a consumer's perspective. Categories include best overall quality, best doctors, best nurses, most preferred hospital overall, best community health programs, latest technology and equipment, and most used web site.

The NRC survey also rated MUSC as number one in the Charleston market for cancer treatment, heart care, pediatric services, mental health services, neurology, transplants and imaging services.

The National Research Corporation is a recognized industry leader, with two decades of experience in health care specific performance measurement.

More information and a complete list of winners is at http://www.nationalresearch.com/ccahosp03.html

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