Oishei Children's Hospital recognized for high-quality maternity care

Oishei Children’s Hospital is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York with a Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

A press release stated, “Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent and widespread across maternal health care, primarily driven by socioeconomic status, geographic location and implicit provider bias. Compared to similarly developed countries such as Canada, Germany and Australia, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR), at approximately 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the MMR steadily increasing since 2000. The CDC states non-Hispanic Black women are two to three times more likely to die from preventable or treatable pregnancy-related complications compared to white women.”

To help address these gaps in care and to help ensure the better health of mothers, The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association enhanced its quality evaluation for the maternity care program to address key factors driving the U.S.’ “maternal health crisis,” such as preventable or treatable pregnancy-related conditions, high utilization of Caesarean sections, and racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health care.

In 2018, facilities that received designations under the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program cared for more than 40% of Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercially insured women giving birth across the country.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York recognized Oishei Children’s Hospital for meeting the rigorous BDC quality selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

“I am incredibly proud of the entire team of doctors, nurses and staff that care for the thousands of women that come through our doors at Oishei Children’s Hospital every year. This distinction recognizes their commitment to providing the highest-quality maternity care for the moms and babies of Western New York,” said Allegra Jaros, president, Oishei Children’s Hospital.

In 2020, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care Program was expanded beyond traditional outcome measures to include assessments of internal quality improvement, data collection and dissemination, and internal protocols that better address clinical quality and equity issues in maternity care. New in the evaluation cycle, facilities must collect race ethnicity data, have a maternal quality improvement program, commence drills and simulations for adverse events, and have dedicated protocols and procedures for the management of hypertension and hemorrhage. In addition, they must meet clinical outcome metrics at a higher standard than required previously. Specifically, the rate for low-risk first time cesarean sections (NTSV c-section rate, PC-02) has been aligned with the revised Healthy People 2020 goals.

The press release noted, “Facilities eligible for the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity care show statistically significant differences in key clinical outcomes compared to their peers.

“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 health care 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.”