Munson Medical Center areas qualify as Blue Distinction Centers
Munson Medical Center’s cardiac care, maternity, and knee and hip replacement areas were recently designated Blue Distinction® Centers+ by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health care facilities designed 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.
“We are pleased that Blue Cross recognizes the quality of care taking place in these areas,” said Al Pilong, president of Munson Medical Center and chief operating officer for Munson Healthcare. “Our teams of physicians and staff are committed to best practices that result in quality care and outcomes for the patients we are privileged to care for.”
As a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care, Munson Medical Center has demonstrated its expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft, and percutaneous coronary interventions. The hospital works closely with physicians from Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Grand Traverse and Traverse Heart & Vascular to provide this care.
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. Munson Medical Center works closely with Great Lakes Orthopaedic Center and Traverse City Orthopedics and Sports Medicine physicians for this care.
Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care means the hospital’s maternity unit has met several quality measures, including the percentage of newborns that fall into the category of early elective delivery, an ongoing concern in the medical community. In addition, the unit agrees to meet requirements that align with principles that support evidence-based practices of care, as well as having initiated programs to promote successful breastfeeding. The program also evaluates hospitals on overall patient satisfaction, including a willingness to recommend the hospital to others. The hospital works closely with physicians from Grand Traverse Women’s Clinic, Northwood Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Munson Family Practice to provide this care.
“The Blue Distinction Center+ designation lets our members know where they can go in Michigan to receive high-quality, cost-effective care that meets robust clinical standards,” said David Share, M.D., MPH, senior vice president at Blue Cross.
For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, visit bcbs.com/bluedistinction.