Willis Knighton Bossier and Willis Knighton Pierremont are proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Louisiana Blue) with a Blue Distinction© Centers+ (BDC+) for Knee and Hip Replacement designations.

The program identifies hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that demonstrate expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes, and are more cost-effective. Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The designations are a testament to the rigorous standards met by Willis Knighton Bossier and Pierremont. Designation facilities provide high-quality care, with an average of 21% fewer readmissions and 21% fewer complications within 90 days after knee and hip replacement surgery. Designated facilities also achieve cost savings of 30% for knee and hip replacements compared to all other facilities for that specialty care area.

“We are honored to be recognized by Louisiana Blue for high quality and cost-efficiency in knee and hip replacements,” said Jaf Fielder, president and CEO of Willis Knighton Health. “This designation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality, patient centric care in orthopedic surgery and offer patients the best outcomes.”

Blue Distinction Centers+ for Knee and Hip Replacement help consumers find quality and value for their healthcare, while also encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the overall delivery of care nationwide.

Among other criteria, to receive a designation, facilities must:

• Have full accreditation from at least one national accrediting organization, as either a hospital or ambulatory surgery center
• Have low complication, mortality, and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days after elective total knee and hip replacements
• Have enhanced recovery after surgery processes and procedures in place for quality perioperative care
• Participate in Louisiana Blue’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network

By meeting these stringent criteria, Willis Knighton Bossier and Willis Knighton Pierremont not only highlight their commitment to high quality healthcare but also commit to remaining at the forefront of advancements in knee and hip replacements.

To further improve patient outcomes and inform treatment strategies, BCBSA utilized the AAOS and American Joint Replacement Registry for evidence-based performance measures and patient reported outcome measures.

Since 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care—and, for those that meet the program’s cost criteria, at lower costs—in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and quality of care they deliver.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.