Employers

Blue Distinction Specialty Care

A national centers of excellence program recognizing health care facilities and / or providers with a proven track record for exceptional specialized care and better patient outcomes.

Types of Blue Distinction Programs

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Blue Distinction Centers
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BDC offer quality care, treatment expertise, and better overall patient results.
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Blue Distinction Centers+
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BDC+ offer affordable care in addition to quality care, treatment expertise, and better overall patient results.
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The Blue Distinction® designation
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To earn a Blue Distinction® designation, providers and / or facilities must meet strict, pre-determined quality standards developed by medical experts and providers. This national evaluation criteria makes it easy for members to choose quality-focused specialty treatment.

Find certified care

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Find a Blue Distinction Center
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You can explore a list of centers with our BDC finder.
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Search for a Blue Distinction Center Near You
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https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/programs-initiatives/blue-distinction-specialty-care/centers-and-physicians-search
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The shield icon will only appear next to BDC and BDC+ facilities.
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Benefits of Blue Distinction

In addition to better outcomes and lower costs, your employees may receive better health plan benefits when they use Blue Distinction-designated facilities:

  • Expert doctors, nurses, and staff with high levels of specialty experience
  • Highest level of patient support at all stages of treatment
  • Fewer complications after treatment
  • Helps make health care more affordable for all

Talk to your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) representative to see if your plan includes lower out-of-pocket costs when using a Blue Distinction Center.

Areas of Specialty Care

Blue Distinction Centers represent a number of specialties:

  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Cancer Care
  • Cardiac Care
  • Cellular Immunotherapy – CAR-T
  • Fertility Care
  • Gene Therapy – Ocular Disorders
  • Knee And Hip Replacement
  • Maternity Care
  • Spine Surgery
  • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Transplants

Availability may vary depending on your location and your health plan.

Learn more about the Blue Distinction program.
Find out how centers are recognized by reviewing the selection criteria.
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See Selection Criteria
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