Specialists' One-Day Surgery Center Recognized Nationally for Higher Quality and Cost-Effective Spine Surgery and Hip & Knee Replacements

Specialists One-Day Surgery Center is proud to announce dual recognitions by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as a Blue Distinction® Center+ (BDC+) for both Spine Surgery and Hip and Knee Replacement,  two of the most complex and high-volume orthopedic procedures in the country.

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers (ASCs) that demonstrate expertise in delivering improved patient safety, 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).

This designation is a testament to the rigorous standards met by Specialists One-Day Surgery Center. 

Designated spine facilities provide high-quality care, with an average of 28% lower readmission rates and 29% lower complications within 90 days after spine surgery. BDC+ designated facilities also achieve cost savings of 23% for spine surgery compared to all other facilities for that specialty care area. Designated knee and hip replacement facilities deliver 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.

Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, making a positive difference in their overall health journey.

“To be recognized in both categories and as one of a small number of ASCs nationwide validates the exceptional outcomes, safety, and value our teams deliver every day,” said Dr. J. Alan Lemley, President of Specialists’ One-Day Surgery Center. “These designations reflect our mission to make top-tier surgical care accessible, affordable, and patient-centered for our community.”

Blue Distinction Centers+ for Spine Surgery and Knee and Hip Replacement help consumers find both quality and value for their orthopedic needs, while also encouraging health care 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 of the primary spine surgery or after elective primary total knee and hip replacements
• Have enhanced recovery after surgery processes and procedures in place for quality perioperative care
• Participate in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network

By meeting these stringent criteria, Specialists One-Day Surgery Center not only highlights its commitment to high-quality and affordable health care but also commits to remaining at the forefront of advancements in spine and joint replacement surgery.

To further improve patient outcomes and inform treatment strategies, BCBSA utilized the American Spine Registry (ASR)—a joint effort with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and AAOS and 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 recovery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the quality of care they deliver.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit the BCBS website.