Blue Shield of California has recognized Mercy Medical Center Redding (Calif.) as a Blue Distinction Center for spine surgery, ABC affiliate KRCR reports.
The program honors centers that provide quality outcomes for patients, based on a set of objective measures.
Designated facilities demonstrate quality care, treatment expertise and better overall patient results, and are typically 20 percent more cost-effective per episode of care compared to other centers, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield.
"This Blue Distinction validates our surgical expertise and exemplifies the excellent work of our physicians, nurses and staff who are dedicated to providing life-changing care to our community," G. Todd Smith, president of Mercy Medical Center Redding, said in an April 21 article.
To be considered, healthcare facilities must provide inpatient, postoperative and outpatient follow-up care and patient education.