On Monday, January 1, 2020, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recognized the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) St. Luke’s Campus as a Blue Distinction® Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. The Blue Distinction Centers designation signifies that the MVHS Knee and Hip Replacement Program met nationally established Selection Criteria by demonstrating expertise in delivering quality specialty care, safely and effectively. The St. Elizabeth Campus has been a Blue Distinction Center since 2010.
Research confirms that Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients, with lower rates of complications and readmissions than their peers. These designated centers are also 20 percent more cost efficient and provide consumers with tools to help them make better informed healthcare decisions.
Providing patients with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve successful orthopedic outcomes is a priority for MVHS. Orthopedic patients receive in-person education pre- and post-surgery, as well as educational booklets with detailed information to help patients and their families understand what to expect.
“This designation demonstrates our excellence in orthopedic care to our community,” said Sara Egan, MHA, RN, Orthopedic Program coordinator at MVHS. “It helps us highlight the hard work our Orthopedic team puts in to make sure our patients receive the highest quality care that we’re known for.”
Last year MVHS performed nearly 1,000 knee and hip replacements. For more information on MVHS’s Orthopedic Total Joint Program call 315-801-3388, or visit mvhealthsystem.org/ortho.