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Blue Distinction Centers

At a Blue Distinction Center (BDC), you may get a better outcome and may have lower coinsurance. You may still be covered at a non-BDC facility, but your out-of-pocket costs will usually be higher.

Blue Distinction Centers should be used for these specialty health care services:

  • Bariatric surgery
  • Cardiac care
  • Knee and hip replacements
  • Spinal surgery
  • Transplants

Choosing a Hospital

We understand that finding care from providers with proven expertise is important. That's why the Blue Distinction® program was created. This program identifies hospitals and medical facilities that meet high standards.

There are two types of Blue Distinction recognitions:

  • Blue Distinction Centers — Hospitals that have proven their ability to meet high standards of specialty care.
  • Blue Distinction Centers+ — Hospitals that are recognized for meeting high standards of care and for delivering cost-effective care.