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Beebe Healthcare recognized for high-quality maternity care

March 8, 2018

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware has recognized Beebe Healthcare with a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated hospitals that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community.

Nearly 4 million babies are born in the U.S. annually, making childbirth the most common cause of hospitalization, and cesarean sections the most common operating room procedures, according to National Centers for Health Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Reducing early elective delivery is an area of focus for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to Health Affairs, elective inductions result in more cesarean deliveries and longer maternal hospitalization.

“Beebe Healthcare is proud to be recognized by Highmark BCBS Delaware for meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Center+ quality and cost selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program,” said Bridget Buckaloo, MSN, RNC-OB, executive director of Women’s and Children’s Health at Beebe. “This distinction only cements what we already know – that the team here at Beebe is committed to providing quality care in the most cost-effective way for our patients and treating everyone who comes through our doors like family.”

The Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals on quality measures for vaginal and cesarean delivery. To receive a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care designation, a hospital must also demonstrate cost efficiency.

Quality is key: Only those hospitals that first meet Blue Distinction’s nationally established, objective quality measures will be considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+.

“The Blue Distinction program gives Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware members the ability to choose their providers based upon reliable quality and safety information. It also provides a pathway for exceptional providers to demonstrate their value, and delivers the kind of transparency necessary for members to make informed, value-driven healthcare decisions. We congratulate our Blue Distinction Specialty Care providers on their accomplishment and thank our members for choosing Highmark BCBS Delaware,” said Dr. Charles DeShazer, vice president and executive medical director, clinical services, medical policy and quality.

Research shows that, compared to other hospitals, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients. On average, Blue Distinction Centers+ are also 20 percent more cost-efficient than non-Blue Distinction Center+ designated hospitals.

For more information, go to www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

 

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