CANANDAIGUA – Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has once again recognized UR Medicine Thompson Hospital with a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated hospitals 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.
Nearly four million babies are born in the U.S. annually, making childbirth the most common cause of hospitalization, and cesarean sections the most common operating room procedures, according to National Centers for Health Statistics and the Agency for Health care Research & Quality (AHRQ). Reducing early elective delivery is an area of focus for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). According to Health Affairs, elective inductions result in more cesarean deliveries and a longer maternal hospitalization.
The Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals on quality measures for vaginal and cesarean delivery. To receive a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care designation, a hospital must also demonstrate cost-efficiency.
Thompson was first designated a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care in 2016.
“This designation from Excellus represents an objective assessment of the obstetric care provided to our community. It reflects the competence and expertise of the providers and nursing staff who care for mothers and babies. It also illustrates the overall commitment of the organization in supporting safe and cost-effective care. It assures our community that they can expect to receive the highest quality care at Thompson,” said Director of Obstetrics Deborah Jones.
For more information about the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.