
Blue Cross Blue Shield's Blue Distinction Program is a way to recognize hospitals and healthcare providers that offer high-quality care for various medical conditions. This program helps patients make informed decisions about where to receive care.
The Blue Distinction Program focuses on six categories: maternity care, cardiac care, knee and hip replacement, spine surgery, bariatric surgery, and cancer treatment. These categories are based on the latest medical research and guidelines from leading medical organizations.
Patients who receive care from Blue Distinction providers may experience better health outcomes and lower costs. Blue Distinction providers are chosen based on their consistent delivery of high-quality care and their commitment to continuous improvement.
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Blue Distinction Program
The Blue Distinction program is a national designation program that recognizes providers for delivering quality and affordable health care. It's a big deal, as it helps consumers find the best care for their specialty needs.
To earn a Blue Distinction designation, providers and/or facilities must meet strict quality standards developed by medical experts and providers. These standards are carefully crafted to ensure that designated providers deliver high-quality care.
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The program includes two levels of designation: Blue Distinction Center (BDC) and Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+). The BDC level recognizes providers that demonstrate quality care, treatment expertise, and better overall patient results.
Blue Distinction Centers+ takes it a step further by recognizing providers that offer more affordable care, in addition to quality care, treatment expertise, and better overall patient results. This means that consumers can expect not only great care, but also a more affordable bill.
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What It Means
Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate quality care, treatment expertise, and better overall patient results. These centers have met rigorous standards and are recognized for their commitment to delivering high-quality care.
Blue Distinction Centers+ not only show quality care, but also provide more affordable options, making specialty care more accessible to patients. This designation is a big deal, as it's highly respected and helps consumers and referring physicians find reliable care.
The Blue Distinction designation is a badge of honor for practices that deliver both quality and affordability. By earning this designation, practices demonstrate their expertise in delivering specialty care that meets high standards.
Consumers can trust that Blue Distinction Centers provide better overall patient results, which is a testament to their commitment to quality care. This is especially important for patients who are looking for reliable and effective treatment options.
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Areas of Specialty
Blue Distinction Centers offer expertise in various areas of specialty care. These areas include bariatric surgery, cardiac care, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, and transplants.
Bariatric surgery is one of the specialties recognized by Blue Distinction Centers. These centers have demonstrated expertise in this area.
Cardiac care is also an area of specialty recognized by Blue Distinction Centers. Centers with this designation have demonstrated expertise in treating heart-related conditions.
Fertility care is another area where Blue Distinction Centers have demonstrated expertise. This includes treating issues related to infertility.
Knee and hip replacement is a common procedure that Blue Distinction Centers have expertise in. These centers have lower complication rates and fewer hospital readmissions.
Maternity care is also an area where Blue Distinction Centers have demonstrated expertise. This includes prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care.
Spine surgery is a complex procedure that Blue Distinction Centers have expertise in. These centers have demonstrated expertise in treating spinal conditions.
Transplants are a life-saving procedure that Blue Distinction Centers have expertise in. These centers have demonstrated expertise in performing various types of transplants.
Here are the areas of specialty care recognized by Blue Distinction Centers:
- Bariatric surgery
- Cardiac care
- Fertility care
- Knee and hip replacement
- Maternity care
- Spine surgery
- Transplants
Finding Quality Care
Finding quality care can be a challenge, especially when it comes to specialty procedures or surgeries. A Blue Distinction Center can be a great resource for finding top-rated healthcare providers.
One facility may excel in certain specialties and not in others, so it's essential to find a center that specializes in the specific care you need. The hospital you select can have a direct impact on the care you receive and your procedure results.
Blue Distinction programs recognize doctors, hospitals, and healthcare facilities for their outstanding quality of care, service, and patient safety in certain specialties. Consider a facility designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Specialty Care.
There are two levels of designation: Blue Distinction Center (BDC) and Blue Distinction Center+ (BDC+). BDC providers are recognized for their expertise in delivering specialty care, while BDC+ providers are recognized for their expertise and cost-efficiency.
Blue Distinction Specialty Care designations are currently available for 11 high-impact areas of care, including Bariatric Surgery, Cancer Care, Cardiac Care, and more. Here are the 11 areas of care:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Cancer Care
- Cardiac Care
- Cellular Immunotherapy- CAR-T
- Fertility Care
- Gene Therapy- Ocular Disorders
- Knee and Hip Replacement
- Maternity Care
- Spine Surgery
- Substance Use Treatment and Recovery
- Transplants
To find a designated center, visit the Blue Distinction Center Finder.
Recognition Among Employers
Employers are recognizing the value of BCBS Blue Distinction providers by adopting strategies to improve employee health care quality while managing costs. This includes offering richer benefits to employees who use these high-quality providers.
Some employers are adopting narrow networks that feature Blue Distinction providers, which can help reduce costs. These networks typically include a smaller group of providers who have met specific quality and cost standards.
Employers are also using Blue Distinction providers to incentivize employees to make healthier choices. By offering richer benefits to employees who use these providers, employers can encourage their workers to seek care from high-quality, lower-cost providers.
This approach can lead to better health outcomes and lower costs for employers and employees alike. By partnering with BCBS Blue Distinction providers, employers can create a win-win situation that benefits everyone involved.
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Understanding the Evaluation Process
The evaluation process for BCBS Blue Distinction is designed to balance quality, cost, and access considerations. This ensures that consumers have meaningful differentiation in quality and value for specialty care providers that are designated as BDC and BDC+.
The selection process is not just about quality, but also about cost and access. This means that providers who are designated as BDC and BDC+ must meet specific standards in all three areas.
Quality is a top priority in the evaluation process. Providers must demonstrate high-quality care and outcomes to be designated as BDC and BDC+.
The evaluation process is rigorous and thorough, involving a thorough review of a provider's data and performance.
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Sources
- https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/programs-initiatives/blue-distinction-specialty-care
- https://www.healthadvantage-hmo.com/providers/resource-center/blue-distinction-centers
- https://www.excellusbcbs.com/quality/blue-distinction-center
- https://www.horizonblue.com/providers/products-programs/recognition-programs-and-partnerships/blue-distinction-centers
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/providers/networks-programs/quality-based-programs/blue-distinction
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