Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona selected Abrazo Arrowhead Campus as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement for meeting national standards for quality and affordability.

Abrazo Arrowhead Campus demonstrated that it delivers improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with input from the medical community.

Knee and hip replacement procedures are among the fastest growing medical treatments in the U.S., according to recent studies.

Hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers+ for Knee and Hip Replacement demonstrate expertise in total knee and total hip replacement surgeries, resulting in fewer patient complications and hospital readmissions. Designated hospitals must also maintain national accreditation.

In addition to meeting these quality thresholds, hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers+ are on average 20 percent more cost-efficient in an episode of care compared to other hospitals. Quality is key and only those facilities that first meet nationally established, objective quality measures will be considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+.

“Abrazo Arrowhead Campus is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona for meeting the robust selection criteria for knee and hip replacements set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program,’’ said Frank Molinaro, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus Chief Executive Officer.

Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, 18701 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale, was the first Arizona hospital to offer both MAKOplasty total hip arthroplasty and partial knee resurfacing procedures. MAKOplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for those suffering with debilitating pain of the knee or hip.

Powered by the surgeon-controlled RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, specially trained, MAKOplasty-certified orthopedic surgeons treat knee or hip conditions with this advanced technology designed to improve patient outcome.

For more information about the Blue Distinction Center+ program, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction