SHREVEPORT, La. — Willis Knighton Bossier and Willis Knighton Pierremont have been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Louisiana Blue) for delivering high-quality, cost-efficient specialty care, earning national Blue Distinction designations for orthopedic and spine surgery.
Willis Knighton Bossier and Pierremont were both named Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) for Knee and Hip Replacement, while Willis Knighton Bossier also received the Blue Distinction Center (BDC) designation for Spine Surgery. The honors reflect the hospitals’ expertise in patient safety, quality outcomes, and affordability, as evaluated through objective measures developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
“We are honored to be recognized by Louisiana Blue for high quality and cost-efficiency in knee, hip, and spine surgery,” said Jaf Fielder, president and CEO of Willis Knighton Health. “These designations demonstrate our ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality, patient-centric care in orthopedic and spine surgery and to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
Facilities with Blue Distinction designations demonstrate superior performance in both safety and results. Designated hospitals for knee and hip replacement report 21 percent fewer readmissions and complications within 90 days of surgery and achieve an average of 30 percent cost savings compared to other facilities. Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery see 28 percent fewer readmissions and 29 percent fewer complications within 90 days after surgery.
To receive the designations, facilities must meet strict quality criteria, including:
- Full accreditation from a national accrediting organization
- Low complication, mortality, and readmission rates within 90 days of elective surgeries
- Established enhanced recovery and perioperative care processes
- Participation in Louisiana Blue’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network
The Blue Distinction program also draws on evidence-based data from national registries such as the American Joint Replacement Registry and the American Spine Registry, helping hospitals benchmark performance and refine treatment strategies.
Launched in 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program helps patients identify hospitals and ambulatory centers that deliver high-quality care at lower costs across key specialties including orthopedics, cardiac care, cancer treatment, maternity care, and more.
For more information and a list of designated providers, visit bcbs.com/bluedistinction.