Blue Distinction®

Categories: Change Incentives to Promote Better Care

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is engaged in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s Blue Distinction® program – a designation awarded to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering specialty care in one or more of the following areas: bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers and transplants.  New Blue Distinction programs for spine surgery and knee and hip replacement will be introduced in 2009, and future designations are in preliminary stages of development.  The Blue Distinction designation is based on a facility’s ability to meet objective, evidence-based quality criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians and medical organizations.  Studies indicate Blue Distinction Centers® have better overall outcomes and lower costs for certain procedures when compared to non-designated medical facilities.

Today, more than 800 Blue Distinction designations have been awarded nationwide, helping consumers to find quality specialty care.  To locate a Blue Distinction Center, please visit the Blue Distinction Center Finder.