Press Release

02/08/2010
For Immediate Release

Saint Joseph Recognized for Spine Surgery, Knee & Hip Replacement

Anthem Blue cross and Blue Shield of Indiana has named Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center a Blue Distinction Center for its Spine Surgery program and for its Knee and Hip Replacement program.

Blue Distinction is a nationwide program that creates an unprecedented level of healthcare transparency for consumers and providers. Driven by quality, collaboration, and affordability, Blue Distinction strengthens consumer engagement and provider partnerships through hospitals that offer best practices and standards of care in orthopaedic services.

“We are honored to receive this distinction for our expert orthopedic care,” said Thomas A. Reitinger, SJRMC Interim President &CEO. “Not only does this distinction recognize our achievements in spine surgery and knee and hip replacement surgery, but it speaks well to the experience and dedication of our orthopaedics team.”

The selection criteria for the Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery program and Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement program was developed with input from expert physicians and medical organizations. The criteria include a comprehensive evaluation of structure, process, and outcome measures.

Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery and Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement have demonstrated a commitment to quality care and offer comprehensive inpatient spine surgery services (including discectomy, fusion, and decompression procedures) and comprehensive inpatient knee and hip replacement services (including total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and hip resurfacing). Each designated facility must score at least 60 total points and meet the selection criteria requirements for each of these Blue Distinction programs.