Mercy Cedar Rapids designated Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has named Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids as one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care under the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. This designation is designed to help prospective parents find hospitals that deliver quality, affordable maternity care.

Nearly four million babies are born in the U.S. annually, making childbirth the most common cause of hospitalization. This new Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals on several quality measures, including the percentage of newborns that fall into the category of early elective delivery, an ongoing concern in the medical community.

In addition, hospitals that receive this designation agreed to meet requirements that align with evidence-based practices of care, as well as having initiated programs to promote successful breastfeeding.  The program also evaluates hospitals on cost efficiency and overall patient satisfaction, including a willingness to recommend the hospital to others. 

“Our Birthplace and NICU staff are thrilled to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield for our excellence in maternity care,” said Linda Klein, director of Women’s & Children’s Services at Mercy. “We are committed to providing high-quality care and compassionate, personalized service to all of our families.” 

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacements, spine surgery and transplants. Research shows that, compared to other facilities, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.