Tonawanda News — Kenmore Mercy Hospital was recognized by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York for the quality of its spine surgery and hip and knee replacements.
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 many health care facilities.
The distinction was presented to other hospitals that are a part of the Catholic Health System, including Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and Sisters of Charity Hospital’s Main Street campus.
“This recognition represents the hard work and clinical expertise of our doctors, nurses, and the medical and surgical teams that support our spine surgery and knee and hip replacement programs,” said Brian D’Arcy, senior vice president of Medical Affairs for Catholic Health. “As a high performing health system, we are working every day to transform health care in our community by delivering the highest quality care as well as the best value. We are grateful to BlueCross BlueShield for recognizing these efforts with the Blue Distinction Centers designation.”
The Blue Distinction program looks at area hospitals that demonstrate high quality care and cost efficiency, as well as improved patient health and safety, according to Dr. Raghu Ram, chief medical officer of the health insurance company.
“BlueCross BlueShield is working to transform our health care system so that we reward quality care, improve health outcomes and reduce costs,” he said. “All of Catholic Health’s hospitals have proven their commitment to this transformation.”
Ram said 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, as well as 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 Catholic Health hospitals are the only Buffalo area hospitals to receive recognition for these services and among only eight in New York state to receive the spine surgery designation and twenty-one to receive the knee and hip replacement distinction statewide.
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
