BMC Earns Blue Distinction Center Designation for Quality in Knee and Hip Replacement Surgeries

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has selected Berkshire Medical Center 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 shown to deliver improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with input from the medical community.

Knee and hip replacement procedures are among the fastest growing medical treatments in the U.S., according to studies published in the June 2014 Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Hospitals 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 hospital readmissions. Designated hospitals must also maintain national accreditation.

"Berkshire Medical Center, in partnership with our exceptional surgeons at Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for meeting the rigorous selection criteria for knee and hip replacements set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program," said James Lederer, MD, Berkshire Health Systems Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer. "We are fortunate to have an outstanding orthopaedic team serving our community and dedicated to returning their hip and knee replacement patients to their active lifestyles."

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery, and transplants, while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

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