HASTINGS — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has selected Mary Lanning Healthcare as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement.
Through the Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program, Blue Distinction Centers are named nationally for their commitment to delivering high-quality care and better health outcomes. This is based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.
Barb Ninabuck, MLH Total Joint Unit Director, and Casie Forbes, MLH Surgical Services Director, said MLH received the recognition because it demonstrated expertise in total knee and hip replacement surgeries, resulting in fewer patient complications and readmissions. Blue Distinction Centers must maintain national accreditation and are also required to have advanced orthopedic certification. MLH was required to report on patient assessments, follow-ups and pain management.
“We are proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska for meeting the robust selection criteria for knee and hip replacements,” Ninabuck said.
Dr. Brent Hood, Hastings Orthopaedics surgeon, said he is proud to be practicing in a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska Blue Distinction Center. Hood practices with Sam Rayburn, Jen Fehringer and Kristen Anderson, PA-Cs.
“This means patients can have confidence going into their procedure, knowing MLH has met high standards of care with proven, high-quality patient outcomes,” Hood said.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is proud to announce that Mary Lanning Healthcare has been designated as a Blue Distinction Center for knee and hip surgeries. This recognition affirms the high quality and cost-efficient care provided at this facility. We’re pleased to have this facility as part of our network,” Deb Esser, MD, Chief Medical Officer said.
The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality 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, substance-use treatment and recovery. Research for many of these programs shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate higher-quality and improved outcomes for patients. For more information about the program and for a complete listing of designated facilities, visit bcbs.com/ bluedistinction. (Search for Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital) Some insurance providers require their patients to receive care in Blue Distinction Centers.