Excerpts from Blue Cross of Northeastern New York Press Release (February 21, 2013):
Saratoga Hospital Receives Blue Distinction Center Designation for Quality
The Blue Distinction® Recognizes High-Performing Hospitals
LATHAM, NY – BlueShield of Northeastern New York has named Saratoga Hospital as a Blue Distinction Center for excellence in Spine Surgery and Knee and Hip Replacement. The Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® program recognizes hospitals across the country that have a proven track record for delivering better results – including fewer complications and readmissions – than hospitals without these recognitions. Blue Distinction Centers+ meet the same quality criteria as Blue Distinction Centers, but are further recognized for their expertise and efficiency in delivering high quality care that is more affordable for patients.
Since 2006, consumers, medical providers, and employers have relied on the Blue Distinction program to identify hospitals delivering quality care in Bariatric Surgery, Cardiac Care, Complex and Rare Cancers, Knee and Hip Replacements, Spine Surgery, and Transplants. The Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care program was recently expanded to include new cost efficiency measures, as well as more robust quality measures focused on improved patient health and safety…..
“The surgeons and staff of OrthoNY Saratoga region have a wonderful, collaborative relationship with professionals across multiple Saratoga Hospital departments”, said Dr. Lawrence H. Fein, orthopedic surgeon, Saratoga Hospital. “We meet at least monthly to continually fine-tune and improve service, quality and integration of care. That emphasis on continuous improvement is the reason Saratoga Hospital has earned this designation twice.”
Research confirms that the newly designated Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients, with lower rates of complications and readmissions than their peers. The program provides consumers with tools to help them make better informed healthcare decisions. These results will also enable employers, working with their local Blue Plan, to tailor benefits to meet their individual quality objectives.