Saint Francis Earns Prestigious Recognition from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri has designated Saint Francis Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery and a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. According to the Blue Distinction Center Web site, Saint Francis is one of only six facilities in Missouri to receive the spine center designation and one of only eight to receive this designation for knee and hip surgery. These recognitions are part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's expansion of its Blue Distinction® designation, which is awarded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare in the respective areas.

The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based, objective selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians' and medical organizations' recommendations. The program is part of The Blues® efforts to collaborate with physicians and medical facilities to improve the overall quality and safety of specialty care.

"We are very excited to receive these designations from one of the nation's leading health plans," says Jeannie Fadler, RN, Vice President -- Patient Care Services at Saint Francis. "Our Neurosciences Institute and Thomas G. Otto, MD, Orthopaedic Institute feature excellent clinical programs that improve patient education and surgical outcomes each day. Being named a Blue Distinction Center in both of these areas underscores Saint Francis' commitment to providing very good patient care to the region."

The Neurosciences Institute provides advanced diagnostics, procedures, treatments and care for injuries and illnesses of the brain, spine and nerves. Saint Francis' neurosurgeons are experts in spinal surgery and offer the latest in surgical treatment options, such as cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement, kyphoplasty, and advanced spinal fusion techniques.

The Thomas G. Otto, MD, Orthopaedic Institute provides the latest diagnostic, surgery, treatment, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Located within the Orthopaedic Institute are the Center for Joint Replacement and the Knee, Hip, Shoulder Clinic. Our skilled, multidisciplinary care team and spacious private rooms enhance patient recovery following surgery.

To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery and a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, the following types of criteria were evaluated:

* Accredited acute-care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency care and a full range of patient support services

* Experience and training of program surgeons, including case volume

* Quality management programs, including clinical care practices and outcomes tracking and evaluation

* Multidisciplinary clinical pathways and teams to coordinate and streamline care

* Shared decision making and preoperative patient education

More information on selection criteria is available at www.bcbs.com. For more information on the Neurosciences Institute and Orthopaedic Institute at Saint Francis, visit www.sfmc.net or call 573-331-5877.