Value-based Care: Blue Distinction Specialty Care

  • Group Market News
    Published July 8, 2019

    For all groups with medical plans with BlueCard benefits.

    We want to make it simple and easy for our members to get access to high-quality, cost efficient specialty care wherever they live. That’s why we show Blue Distinction Specialty Care designations in our Find a Doctor tool.

    What is Blue Distinction Specialty Care?

    The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) evaluates thousands of hospitals and surgical centers around the country and identifies those known for quality care and positive results in certain areas of specialty care.

    • Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) are healthcare facilities and providers recognized for their expertise in delivering specialty care.
    • Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) are healthcare facilities and providers recognized for their expertise and for providing the greatest value.

    What areas of specialty care are included in the program?

    Members can find Blue Distinction Specialty Care providers in the following fields:

    • Bariatric (weight loss) surgery
    • Cancer care
    • Cardiac care
    • Cellular Immunotherapy (CAR-T therapy)
    • Fertility care
    • Gene therapy
    • Knee and hip replacement
    • Maternity care
    • Spine surgery
    • Transplants

    Note: Not all plans cover all areas of specialty care. Additionally, some plans offer enhanced benefits when using a Blue Distinction Specialty Care provider. Members should check with their plan to verify coverage.

    Why is a Blue Distinction Specialty Care designation important?

    Finding quality specialty care at a reasonable cost can be a challenge. The Blue Distinction designation takes the guesswork out of the process and empowers our customers to make informed decisions about value-based care.

    Action you can take:

    • Tell your current and renewing group clients with BlueCard about the value of using Blue Distinction Centers for specialty care.
      • Direct them to the Blue Distinction specialty care resources in the Employee Communications Center under the Understanding costs category in the left-hand menu.
      • Remind them that their employees should first log in to their secure member accounts to use the Find a Doctor tool and look for Blue Distinction designations.
    • Tell your new group clients about the value of Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska health plans and Blue Distinction specialty care centers.

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