OSF HealthCare Hospitals Recognized for Exceptional Maternity Care
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has recognized five OSF HealthCare hospitals with Blue Distinction® Maternity Care designations 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.
OSF HealthCare hospitals that received the designation of Blue Distinction® Center+ (Plus) for Maternity Care are:
- OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center
- OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center
OSF HealthCare hospitals that received the designation of Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care are:
- OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
- OSF HealthCare Saint James - John W. Albrecht Medical Center
- OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center
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. 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.
OSF HealthCare is proud to be recognized by BCBSIL for meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Center quality and cost selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
“The designation provides assurance to our community that OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center provides a high level of care for both mom and baby. Our experienced team of physicians and nurses have demonstrated the ability to provide high quality care, treatment expertise and improved patient results. We are fortunate to have this level of program in our community.” - Lynn Fulton, President, OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center
“At OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, our priority is to provide quality and compassionate care to the mothers and babies we have the privilege of serving. The Blue Distinction program gives expectant parents reliable quality and safety information, and signifies that OSF Saint Elizabeth consistently delivers expert care.” -Ken Beutke, President, OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center
“Our team partners with the mother and family to ensure the best possible outcome. Compassionate care, blended with our advanced medical resources, allows us the unique ability to provide an individualized experience before, during, and after the birth of each baby, and allows us to serve with the greatest care and love." - Cindy Martin, Director of Women’s Services at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
“We’re pleased to again receive this designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the largest insurer in the state. It demonstrates our staff’s commitment to providing safe, quality obstetrical care for our communities.” - Brad Solberg, President, OSF HealthCare Saint James Medical Center
“Our dedicated Mission Partners are passionate and committed to care for our community to provide quality care to our patients and their families. Congratulations to the physicians and the Mission Partners of our Family Birthing Center that help make our maternity care exceptional!” - Roxanna Crosser, OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center President & Western Region CEO
Hospitals recognized with the Blue Distinction Centers+ and Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care designations are assessed using a combination of quality information supplied by hospitals and cost measures derived from BCBS companies’ medical claims.
Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, maternity care, knee and hip replacements, spine surgery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that, compared to other hospitals, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients. On average, Blue Distinction Centers+ are also 20 percent more cost-efficient than non-Blue Distinction Center+ designated hospitals.