HFAP's joint replacement certification for ASCs was approved for inclusion in Blue Cross Blue Shield's national quality designation program.
What you should know:
1. The BCBS Blue Distinction Specialty Care program will include HFAP's Joint Replacement Certification With Distinction for ASCs.
2. Both programs are designed to differentiate high-performing ASCs and hospitals to consumers and help facilities gain higher BCBS reimbursement for total joint replacement procedures.
3. The BCBS program recognizes Blue Distinction Centers and Blue Distinction Centers+. Both designations are awarded to facilities demonstrating their expertise in delivering specialty care, but the Blue Distinction Centers+ distinction is reserved for facilities that demonstrate cost-efficiency.
4. To earn HFAP's Joint Replacement Certification with Distinction, an ASC must hold accreditation with deemed status or Medicare certification by the state; satisfy state licensure requirements; comply with all applicable HFAP certification standards; define the population its joint replacement program serves and show at least one year of applicable performance measures.