FORT WAYNE — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana has selected Lutheran Hospital as a Blue Distinction Center for knee and hip replacement, part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health care facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

Facilities 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 readmissions. Designated facilities include hospitals with and without an onsite intensive care unit) and ambulatory surgery centers. All designated facilities must maintain national accreditation and ASCs are also required to have an advanced orthopedic certification.

Knee and hip replacement procedures remain some of the most commonly performed, elective surgical procedures in the U.S., according to a 2018 study released by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. In 2014 there were 370,770 total hip replacements and 680,150 total knee replacements^1.

Lutheran Hospital is proud to be recognized by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana for meeting the robust selection criteria for knee and hip replacements set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

“This designation serves as a testament to our team’s innovative approach to knee and hip replacement surgeries, but it also validates our commitment to providing safe, quality patient care with the best possible experience,” said Brady Dubois, CEO, Lutheran Hospital. “It is a great honor to be recognized for our continued dedication to our patients.” 

“With programs like Blue Distinction, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is helping our members make informed decisions about their healthcare,” said Beth Keyser, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana. “We are committed to providing access to quality care that will lead to better health outcomes for the people we serve. We appreciate the partnership with these hospitals and the care they provide to Anthem members.”

The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery. Research for many of these programs shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate higher-quality and improved outcomes for patients.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of designated facilities, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.