STHS Recognized for Higher Quality, Cost Efficiency in Maternity Care

The New Family Center at St. Tammany Health System’s flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital has been designated a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

This distinction, part of Blue Cross’ Blue Distinction Specialty Care program, is made in recognition of the high quality and cost effectiveness of care provided by the health system.

The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s National Health Equity Strategy, which is aimed at reducing racial health disparities across the care spectrum and improving patient outcomes for all Americans. To align with this strategy, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program raised its quality and measurement standards to recognize higher-quality facilities that have taken action to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies, reduce racial disparities, and improve maternal health outcomes.

Based on data from the current designation cycle, St. Tammany Parish Hospital and other facilities designated under the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program demonstrate higher-quality care compared to non-Blue Distinction Center facilities. This includes overall average rates of 26% fewer episiotomies, 60% fewer elective deliveries, and 17% fewer cesarean births – all of which point to healthier outcomes for patients.

BDC+ designated facilities also exhibited an average savings of 21% for maternity care.

 

01/23/2024