Mercy Earns National Designation for Knee and Hip Replacements

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recognized three Mercy Health hospitals in the Mahoning Valley for its Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown, Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman and Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren were named Blue Distinction Centers for knee and hip replacements. The designation is for delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations, according to a company release.

“We are excited to see three of our hospitals receive the Blue Distinction awards for knee and hip replacement,” said Dr. John Luellen, market president, Mercy Health – Youngstown. “The teams at each of our Valley hospitals are committed to providing the highest quality of care, and we look forward to continuing to serve our patients right here at home.”

In its Sept. 2 report, Blue Cross Blue Shield awarded 507 hospitals nationally with the distinction. The Blue Designation program is designed to help patients find quality care in a number of areas, according to a release.

“Mercy Health’s designation as a Blue Distinction Center is a testament to their innovative approach to knee and hip replacement,” said Dr. Barry Malinowski, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio medical director. “The Blue Distinction program is designed to recognize commitment to quality and to help consumers identify high performing health care providers. This is a well-deserved honor and I congratulate the entire Mercy Health team.”

For more information, visit BCBS.com/bluedistinction.

Source: Mercy Health – Youngstown

Pictured: Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren (Image: Mercy Health)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.