SANTA MONICA (Feb. 2, 2023) – Providence Saint John’s Health Center was one of three Providence hospitals in the Southland to have been designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care, signifying expertise in delivering safe and effective heart care.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association recognized cardiology programs at Providence Saint John’s, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, and Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange.
Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated providers that show expertise in delivering improved 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.
“This designation is a testament to the innovative and leading-edge work that takes place here and the endless dedication of our incredible physicians and staff to providing exceptional cardiac care to our community,” said Angela Luna, executive director of the Kenny and Carol Minerd Heart and Vascular Institute at Providence Saint John’s. “Their commitment to continuously improving patient outcomes is commendable and we are truly humbled by this recognition.”
According to the American Heart Association cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is expected to claim more than 23.6 million lives annually by 2030. Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care seek to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to find quality cardiac care. To receive a Blue Distinction Centers designation, hospitals must demonstrate expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft and minimally invasive nonsurgical procedures performed to improve blood flow.
Hospitals recognized with this designation are assessed using a combination of quality information supplied by hospitals and third-party data registries, and cost measures derived from Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies’ medical claims.
Since 2006, the insurance providers’ Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has guided patients in finding quality specialty 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 and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.
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