Quality Recognition Programs

BLUE DISTINCTION DESIGNATION

Blue Distinction is a national designation awarded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) to hospitals and provider entities that meet quality focused criteria that emphasize patient safety and outcomes in certain specialty care areas.

The BCBSA also awards Blue Distinction Center+ designation to hospitals and provider entities that meet the same quality-focused criteria as well as cost of care measures in certain specialty care areas.

Designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based, objective selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians’ and medical organizations’ recommendations. The criteria used to select Blue Distinction Centers® are made available to the public, allowing all involved to understand what’s behind the quality designation.

To learn more, visit our Blue Distinction Program page.