The Orthopaedic Center of Excellence designation from accreditation body DNV GL Healthcare can now be used to obtain a Blue Distinction Specialty Care designation.
The Blue Distinction program recognizes top-line care in 11 specialties, including spine surgery as well as knee and hip replacement. It is recognized by more than 30 BlueCross BlueShield health plans across the U.S.
"Obtaining a Blue Distinction designation for specialty care is considered critical for providers to compete in many markets across the U.S.," DNV Healthcare USA President Patrick Horine said in a June 1 news release. "Earning an Orthopedic Centers of Excellence designation is not only a way to ensure that a hospital's quality of care, patient outcomes and patient satisfaction increase, it will ensure major payers will continue to refer patients to your institution."
In 2018, DNV began offering its Orthopaedic Center of Excellence designation for hospitals certified in three of its four orthopedic service line programs — spine surgery, hip and knee replacement, shoulder surgery, and foot and ankle surgery. Since then, DNV said it has certified more than 600 hospitals.
The orthopedic certifications run for three years, supplemented by annual one-day surveys, and highlight excellence in the provision of diagnostic services, surgical services and therapies related to orthopedic care.
The guidelines are informed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.