Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
The program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s National Health Equity Strategy 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 enhanced 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, facilities designated under the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program demonstrate higher-quality care compared to non-Blue Distinction Center facilities, with overall average rates of 26% lower episiotomies, 60% fewer elective deliveries and 17% lower cesarean births, all of which point to healthier outcomes for patients. Designated facilities also exhibited an average savings of 21% for maternity care.
“We recognize the importance of providing safe, quality care to our mothers and babies and this achievement means that new parents can count on us at this important time in their lives,” Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Director of Patient Care Services Joan Culver said. “The Family Birth Center advocates for quality healthcare for women by maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and patient satisfaction. All of our staff are focused on providing compassionate, patient centered care to ensure the best outcomes to everyone we are privileged to serve”.
The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program’s selection criteria was devised to close clinical care gaps and reduce inequities that persist throughout the maternal care spectrum. The selection criteria includes components of BCBSA’s Maternal Health Equity Actions, which dismantle the cultural, operational and structural barriers that have created inequities that persist in maternal care.
To be designated under this program, each applicant facility was evaluated on a combination of objective data on patient outcomes as well as the practices implemented to reduce racial disparities and improve maternal health outcomes.
“We are pleased to recognize Franciscan Health Olympia Fields for their attention to delivering high quality care that addresses maternal health,” said Derek Robinson, M.D., chief medical officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “Their Blue Distinction Specialty Care approach will help lead to healthier outcomes for members.”
More information on the Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Olympia Fields, including a virtual tour, is available online or by calling (708) 852-2600.