Mercy Cedar Rapids recognized for quality & cost-efficiency in maternity care

Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids has been recognized by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield® with a Blue Distinction^® Center+ for Maternity Care designation, part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated hospitals that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community.

With nearly 4 million babies born in the U.S. every year, childbirth is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization. Prospective parents looking for the best affordable maternity care available can rest reassured that Mercy is among the hospitals that are performing well and meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Centers+ quality selection criteria for maternity care.

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery; cancer care; cardiac care; cellular immunotherapy; fertility care; gene therapy; knee and hip replacement; maternity care; spine surgery; substance use treatment and recovery; and transplants, while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.