Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has designated St. Mary Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery, part of the Blue Distinction Speciality Care program.
Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with input from the medical community.
Hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers+ for Spine Surgery demonstrate expertise in cervical and lumbar fusion, as well as cervical and lumbar laminectomy procedures, resulting in fewer patient complications and hospital readmissions compared to other hospitals. Designated hospitals must also maintain national accreditation. In addition to meeting these quality thresholds, facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers+ are on average 20 percent more cost-efficient in an episode of care compared to other hospitals. Only those facilities that first meet nationally established, objective quality measures will be considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+.
“St. Mary is honored to be designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spinal Surgery by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association,” said Dr. Larry Brilliant, president of St. Mary Medical Center. “This distinction acknowledges our rigorous efforts to provide a safe and high-quality experience for every patient we serve.”
Visit bcbs.com/bluedistinction for more information about the program and a complete listing of the designated facilities.
