Three Ministry Health Care Hospitals Designated as Blue Distinction Centers

Three Ministry Health Care hospitals have been designated as Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® by BlueCross BlueShield Association.

Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield earned the designation in both knee and hip replacement, and in spine surgery. Saint Clare’s Hospital in Weston and Saint Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point both were awarded designation in hip and knee replacement.

Blue Distinction Centers are medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering high quality care. Each Blue Distinction facility meets objective clinical measures that are developed in collaboration with medical experts and professional health care organizations. Each facility’s structure processes and care outcomes are rigorously evaluated. For patients, this means better overall outcomes.

“Blue Distinction places a high value on research and evidenced-based health and medical information, and we are honored to receive these important and prestigious designations,” said Michael Kryda, MD, vice president, medical affairs for Ministry Health Care. “These designations affirm the excellence and commitment of our physicians and staff in combining state-of-the-art surgery with state-of-the-art care.”

Blue Distinction Centers for spine surgery and knee and hip replacement are new designations. These facilities offer experienced, comprehensive inpatient spine surgery services, including discectomy, fusion and decompression procedures, and inpatient hip and knee replacement services, including total hip and knee replacement. Candidates for both designations must also submit clinical data to establish that they meet objective, evidence-based thresholds for clinical quality.

Criteria for both spine surgery and joint replacement include:

• An established acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency care and a full range of patient support services.
• Full accreditation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-deemed national accreditation organization.
• A comprehensive quality management program
• An experienced surgical team, including surgeons with board certification and subspecialty fellowship training, and case volumes that meet the selection criteria.

To learn more about Blue Distinction Centers visit www.BCBS.com/bluedistinction.