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We are a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement!

Dr. Robinson  
Dr. Robinson looks over knee X-rays with registered nurse Mary Ann Aquirre at Gila Regional Medical Center. The hospital recently was named a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
 
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has designated Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement are part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's expansion of its Blue Distinction® designation. Gila Regional Medical Center is one of two hospitals to be recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement in New Mexico.

"We are very pleased to receive this recognition," said Brian Bentley, GRMC Chief Executive Officer. "This shows our commitment to deliver better overall outcomes in patient care."

Gila Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive knee and hip replacement services including navigated knee surgery. This computer assisted surgery enables surgeons to test and maximize a safe range of motion and minimize possible wear related issues.

"This designation demonstrates the commitment by both the hospital and Southwest Bone and Joint Institute (SBJI) to develop a top tier joint replacement program. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. This recognizes the commitment by our organizations to achieve that goal," said Brian Robinson, M.D. SBJI Orthopedic Surgeon.

"Blue Distinction puts a high value on research and evidence-based health and medical information," said Allan Korn, MD, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Chief Medical Officer. "Blue Distinction Centers show our commitment to working with doctors and hospitals in communities across the country to identify leading institutions that meet clinically validated quality standards and deliver better overall outcomes in patient care."

The selection criteria used to evaluate facilities were developed with input from a panel of expert physicians. To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, the following types of criteria were evaluated. More information on selection criteria is available on http://www.bcbs.com/:

  • Established acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency care, and a full range of patient support services with full accreditation by a CMS-deemed national accreditation organization
  • Experience and training of program surgeons, including case volume
  • Quality management programs, including surgical checklists as well as tracking and evaluation of clinical outcomes and process of care
  • Multi-disciplinary clinical pathways and teams to coordinate and streamline care, including transitions of care
  • Shared decision making and preoperative patient education

The Blue Distinction designationis awarded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies tomedical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacement, spine surgery and transplants. The program is part of The Blues® efforts to collaborate with physicians and medical facilities to improve the overall quality and safety of specialty care.

Note: Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means these facilities' overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians' and leading professional organizations' recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan.