Mission News

Mission News

Two more programs at Mission Hospital have been named Blue Distinction Centers^SM for their clinical excellence: spine surgery and hip and knee replacement surgery. Both were awarded far more than the 70 points required for designation, with Mission’s spine surgery earning 85 points and knee and hip replacement 92.

The distinction, given by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, is based on nationally endorsed quality measures developed in collaboration with medical experts and professional organizations. Mission had already been named a Blue Distinction CenterSM this year for cardiac care.

In Fiscal Year 2009, 1,600 patients received total joint replacements at Mission, and some 2,000 underwent spine surgery.

“It is not surprising that Mission Hospitals and the team of physicians that encompass the Orthopedic Service Line have received such a wonderful distinction from Blue Cross Blue Shield,” said Tally Eddings, MD, service line leader for orthopedics.

“The physicians and surgeons who make up the Orthopedic Service Line and participated in this award winning process have dedicated themselves to excellent patient care utilizing the latest technologies and support from an exceptional team of operating room staff, nursing staff and administration,” Dr. Eddings said. “It is the continued team approach that allows Mission Hospitals and its physicians and staff to provide excellent quality of care in joint replacement surgery and comprehensive orthopedic care. I do not think this will be our last recognition but it is certainly a welcome one from Blue Cross Blue Shield.”

“The Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Spine Surgeons of Mission Hospitals are proud to have helped Mission Hospital obtain designation as a Blue Distinction Center,” said spine and neurosurgeon Jonathan Sherman, MD.

“Mission Hospital and the surgeons’ dedication to provide high quality care with respect to outcomes and low complication rates has led to this designation,” he said. The collaboration of Orthopedic and Neurosurgical specialists and Mission’s teams of nurses dedicated to spinal surgery in the operating room and on the spine unit has led to superior care being provided for many years, and allows us to continue to provide excellent service to our patients. To be recognized for our efforts is further satisfaction that our Spinal Surgery program is on the right track.”

Kathey Ponder, RN, is director of Neurosciences and the Spine Unit. Rhonda Robinson, RN, is director of Orthopedic Nursing. Both agreed on the factors that contribute to excellence in their programs: Excellent physicians and staff, evidence-based practice, high volumes, dedicated surgery and nursing staff and facilities, multidisciplinary care, and excellent education and discharge planning.

"We have always worked with hospitals to ensure the highest quality care for our customers," said Milo Brunick, Vice President, Network Management, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. “This designation means Mission Hospital's spine surgery and knee and hip replacement programs have met key quality standards that can lead to improved care outcomes. This is important information for members to consider when seeking care from our extensive network of physicians and hospitals.”