For immediate release
Contact: Libby Allison | OSF HealthCare Media Relations Coordinator | (309) 308-5015
Sherry Galbreath | OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Community Relations Coordinator | (309) 665-5748
(February 18, 2019 | Bloomington, IL) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has recognized OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center with a Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated providers that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.
“OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center is dedicated to providing high quality cardiovascular services,“ said Lynn Fulton, President OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. “To be selected as a Blue Distinction Center in cardiac care provides recognition that our dedication leads to quality outcomes for our patients.”
Research shows that compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is expected to claim more than 23.6 million lives annually by 2030. Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care seek to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to find quality cardiac care. To receive a Blue Distinction Centers designation, hospitals must demonstrate expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) episodes of care.
Hospitals recognized with this designation are assessed using a combination of quality information supplied by hospitals and third party data registries, and cost measures derived from Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies’ medical claims.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is proud to offer this important recognition,” said Derek Robinson, MD, MBA, FACEP, CHCQM, chief medical officer, BCBSIL. “It’s one of the ways we’re partnering with members, employers, providers and communities to help achieve their health goals.”
For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.