NORWICH – UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is proud to be recognized by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield with a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement designation.

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers that demonstrate expertise in patient safety and deliver better health outcomes. Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

This designation is a testament to the rigorous standards met by UHS Chenango Memorial. Designated knee and hip replacement facilities deliver high-quality care, with an average of 21% fewer readmissions and 21% fewer complications within 90 days after knee and hip replacement surgery.

Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, making a significant difference in their overall health journey.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional collaboration and dedication of our orthopedics, surgical services, and physical therapy teams. Their shared commitment to excellence and to every patient’s recovery journey is what makes this level of care possible,” said Cecil Miller, President and CEO of UHS Chenango Memorial.

“We’re proud to be recognized for providing outstanding joint replacement care close to home for patients in our community.”

Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement help consumers find quality care, while also encouraging health care professionals to improve the overall delivery of care nationwide.

Among other criteria, to receive a designation, facilities must:Have full accreditation from at least one national accrediting organization as either a hospital or ambulatory surgery center.

Have low complication, mortality and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days after elective primary total knee and hip replacements.

Have enhanced recovery after surgery processes and procedures in place for quality perioperative care.

Participate in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network.

By meeting these stringent criteria, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital not only highlights its commitment to high quality health care but also commits to remaining at the forefront of advancements in knee and hip replacements.

To further improve patient outcomes and inform treatment strategies, BCBSA utilized the AAOS and American Joint Replacement Registry for more evidence-based performance measures and patient reported outcome measures.

Since 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care at lower costs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.
UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is part of United Health Services, a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system with 916 beds and more than 40 locations across New York’s Southern Tier.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with about 1.5 million upstate New York members. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.  
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com.
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan.

- Information from CMH