Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers a variety of health care programs, including the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. This program highlights facilities that demonstrate expertise in specific medical areas. For instance, facilities recognized under the Blue Distinction program for elective procedures often include specialists like Radiologists, Anesthesiologists, Pathologists, Hospitalists, and Intensivists within the local BlueCard PPO network.
These services may be provided in various settings, such as freestanding ambulatory surgery centers, which focus on outpatient procedures rather than hospital settings. It’s important to discuss with your doctor to determine the most suitable care environment for your specific needs.
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) and Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) are evaluated based on stringent quality measures developed with input from the medical community. Local Blue Plans may have additional criteria for providers within their service areas. For detailed information relevant to Minnesota, it’s essential to contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ also meet cost-efficiency benchmarks, addressing the need for affordable healthcare. Cost evaluations are conducted using data from the Local Blue Plan.
For providers in certain states like CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA, cost of care might be assessed by two Local Blue Plans, with the local plans deciding on the criteria application. National criteria for both BDC and BDC+ are available on www.bcbs.com. Individual health outcomes can vary. To confirm a provider’s network status and your policy’s coverage details, always contact your Local Blue Plan and inquire with your provider before scheduling appointments. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are liable for non-covered charges or losses from using provider finder information or receiving care from Blue Distinction providers.
