News

Amarillo, TX — BlueCross and Blue Shield of Texas has recognized Northwest Texas Healthcare System with a Blue Distinction® Center designation in the area of bariatric surgery as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities shown to deliver quality specialty care based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community for patient safety and better health outcomes.

To receive a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery designation, a healthcare facility must demonstrate success in meeting patient safety as well as bariatric-specific quality measures, including complications and readmissions. A healthcare facility must also have earned national accreditations at both the facility level and the bariatric care-specific level.

Northwest Texas Healthcare System is proud to be recognized by BlueCross and Blue Shield of Texas for meeting the rigorous selection criteria for bariatric surgery set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Research shows that facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients compared with their peers.

“Getting this award is a big step for Northwest Texas Hospital and its commitment to safety and quality outcomes. The bariatric program has always been focused on outcomes and providing a service based on safety,” said Bo Neichoy, MD, Northwest Bariatric Medical Director. “Receiving this designation allows us to demonstrate to the community and insurance companies that we are committed to delivering a quality product. This designation also demonstrates the desire of the hospital to financially commit to a service that requires stringent regulation in regards to equipment and quality control."

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, maternity care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacements, spine surgery and transplants, while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver. For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit Blue Distinction.