Sussex Campus Earns Blue Distinction Center Designation For Knee And Hip Replacement Surgeries

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has selected Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus 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 that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes. This is based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

“We are honored to be designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement,” said Medical Director for Bayhealth’s Division of Orthopaedics Stephen Manifold, MD. “Bayhealth’s total joint program is deeply committed to safety and high-quality outcomes for our patients. Being recognized on a national level is further validation of the hard work and dedication of our team.”

This designation means that Bayhealth Sussex Campus is among medical facilities nationally who demonstrate expertise in total knee and total hip replacement surgeries, resulting in fewer patient complications and hospital readmissions. This includes 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 orthopaedic certification. In addition to meeting these quality thresholds, hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers are on average 20 percent more cost-efficient in an episode of care compared to other facilities.

Only those facilities that first meet nationally established, objective quality measures are considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+, and there is a robust set of selection criteria that must be met to then earn the designation. 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 fiscal year 2018, 222 knee and 140 hip replacement surgeries were performed at Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus.

“The Blue Distinction program gives Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware members the ability to choose their providers based upon reliable quality and safety information,” said Charles DeShazer, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Highmark Health Plan. “It also provides a pathway for exceptional providers to demonstrate their value, and delivers the kind of transparency necessary for members to make informed value-driven healthcare decisions. We congratulate our Blue Distinction Specialty Care Providers on their accomplishment.”

Call 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627) to be matched with one of Bayhealth’s orthopaedic surgeons or another physician to meet your needs. Visit BCBS.com/BlueDistinction for more information about the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.