Phelps Memorial Health Center, Courtesy
HOLDREGE — Phelps Memorial Health Center is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) with a Blue Distinction® Center (BDC) for Spine Surgery designation.
This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory surgery 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 Phelps Memorial Health Center. Designated facilities provide high-quality care, with an average of 28% fewer readmissions and 29% fewer complications within 90 days after spine surgery.
Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, making a positive difference in their overall health journey.
“We are honored to collaborate with providers like Phelps Memorial Health Center,” said Dr. Thadeo Salido, senior medical director at BCBSNE. “Annually, we aim to strengthen our partnerships with providers who, in turn, offer exceptional care and treatment experiences for our members. Phelps Memorial Health Center has invested considerable time and resources into developing specialized training, quality assurance measures and enhancements to improve health outcomes. This recognition underscores the commitment and hard work of our providers in meeting both our standards and the expectations of our members.”
BDCs for Spine Surgery help consumers find quality spinal 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 spine surgery
• Have enhanced recovery after surgery processes and procedures in place for quality perioperative care
• Participate in BCBSNE’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization Network
By meeting these stringent criteria, Phelps Memorial Health Center not only highlights its commitment to high quality health care but also commits to remaining at the forefront of advancements in spine surgery.
To further improve patient outcomes and inform treatment strategies, BCBSA utilized the American Spine Registry—a joint effort with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and AAOS for evidence-based performance measures and patient reported outcome measures.
Since 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care—and, for those that meet the program’s cost criteria, 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 and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the quality of care they deliver.
For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit our website.
Phelps Memorial Health Center is a critical access hospital in Holdrege, Nebraska, dedicated to delivering innovative, patient-centered care. With state-of-the-art technology and a compassionate team of healthcare professionals.