Rome Health has been designated as a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
In 2023, more than 650 babies were delivered at Rome Health by its four OB-GYNs, Ankur Desai, Lauren Giustra, John Lovier and Courtney Pineau.
The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) National Health Equity Strategy aimed at reducing racial health disparities across the care spectrum and improving patient outcomes for all Americans.
Based on data from the current designation cycle, facilities designated under the 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.
Rome Health met the program’s selection criteria for designation as a Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+), which recognizes health care facilities that deliver quality care, safely and effectively, in addition to demonstrating more affordable care. BDC+ designated facilities also exhibit an average savings of 21% for maternity care, according to a recent program survey.
“Congratulations to the team at Rome Health on achieving this important quality recognition,” said Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica regional president. “The Blue Distinction designation is one more tool to help members make informed decisions about their health care, allowing them to be assured that the facility has met specific benchmarks”