Carle Earns Blue Distinction Center designation for knee and hip replacement surgeries

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) selected Carle as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities committed to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes based on objective measures developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

Facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers® for Knee and Hip Replacement demonstrate expertise in total knee and total hip replacement surgeries, resulting in fewer patient complications and readmissions. Designated facilities include hospitals (with and without an onsite Intensive Care Unit) and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC). All designated facilities must maintain national accreditation and ASCs are also required to have an advanced orthopedic certification.

Knee and hip replacement procedures remain some of the most commonly performed, elective surgical
procedures in the U.S., according to a 2018 study released by the American Academy of Orthopedic
Surgeons. In 2014, there were 370,770 total hip replacements and 680,150 total knee replacements1.
“Our goal is to keep patients active and healthy,” said Mark Palermo, DO, associate medical director,
Carle Orthopedics. “With successful knee and hip replacements, we help people restore movement,
lessen pain and increase independence.”

Hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement demonstrate expertise
in total knee and total hip replacement surgeries with fewer patient complications and hospital
readmissions. Designated hospitals must also maintain national accreditation.

“We have a longstanding reputation for providing great orthopedic care, but this honor is an external
seal of approval. It helps patients feel even more confident about choosing Carle for life-changing
procedures,” said Kristen Streeter, MS ATC, accreditation program coordinator – ortho/joint.

The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery. Research for many of these programs shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate higher quality and improved outcomes for patients.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois proudly 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 facilities, visit
bcbs.com/bluedistinction.