LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Gundersen Lutheran is being recognized nationally for its emergency medical care.

Healthgrades has placed Gundersen in the top 5% for reducing the mortality rate throughout a patient's hospital stay.

The study focused on 12 specific emergency visits such as pulmonary disease and heart disease.

Healthgrades found that more than 150,000 people could have been saved if they performed at Gundersen's level.

A Gundersen Lutheran spokesperson says this award has come from many years of work. "Many years ago we embarked on a process to really hone the care they provide and to hone the patient experience so that they are seen quickly, they get quality care, and that they appreciate the care that they have received," says Gundersen's Jim Klock.

This is the second year Gundersen Lutheran has received this award.