Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Spring 2016

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RMC Anniston is one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care
designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Designated hospitals are recognized for delivering quality
specialty care safely and effectively, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community.
This new designation is an expansion of the national Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Research shows that
compared to other facilities, designated Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved
outcomes for patients. Criteria for evaluation in maternity care includes percentage of newborns who are
early elective deliveries, utilization of evidence-based practices of care, overall patient satisfaction, and
participation in programs that promote successful breastfeeding, such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital initiative.
that's distinctive
MATERNITY CARE
Alabama’s First
Baby Friendly Hospital
400 East 10th Street, Anniston, AL 36207 • (256) 235-5121 •
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facil-
ities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each facility’s
cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue
Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on . Individual outcomes may vary. For details
on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any
Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.