Waverly Health Center (WHC) has been named a Blue Distinction® Center (BDC) for Knee and Hip Replacement by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
This designation recognizes hospitals and ambulatory care centers that demonstrate expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes and provide more cost-effective care. Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
What This Means for Patients
Facilities earning the Blue Distinction® designation meet rigorous national standards for knee and hip replacement care. On average, designated centers experience:
- 21% fewer readmissions
- 21% fewer complications within 90 days following knee and hip replacement surgery
Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from advanced surgical practices, coordinated perioperative care and enhanced recovery protocols designed to improve healing and reduce complications. The result is a smoother recovery process and better overall outcomes.
A Commitment to Quality Close to Home
“We continue to advance and strengthen our services to support the evolving health care needs of our local communities,” said Jodi Geerts, CEO of Waverly Health Center. “Being named a Blue Distinction® Center for knee and hip replacement, along with our earlier recognition for the Birthing Center, reinforces the high level of care people can expect right here in Waverly.”
Meeting Rigorous National Standards
To earn this designation, facilities must:
- Maintain full accreditation from a national accrediting organization
- Demonstrate low complication, mortality, and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days after elective primary total knee and hip replacements
- Implement enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) processes for high-quality perioperative care
- Participate in Wellmark’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network
By meeting these criteria, Waverly Health Center underscores its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality orthopedic care and remaining at the forefront of advancements in joint replacement.
To support continuous improvement, performance measures are informed by evidence-based data from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Joint Replacement Registry, helping guide treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes nationwide.
