Blue Distinction

Blue Distinction® is a designation awarded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to  medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare, under objective selection criteria. The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established by leading medical specialists and societies. Its goal is to help consumers find quality specialty care on a consistent basis, while enabling and encouraging health professionals to improve the overall quality and delivery of healthcare nationwide.

At the core of the Blue Distinction program are the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty CareSM, facilities that we recognize for their distinguished clinical care and processes in the areas of:

The criteria we use to select Blue Distinction CentersSM, determined with leading medical societies and based on medical evidence, are made available to the public. This allows both consumers and providers to understand what's behind this quality designation. Our goals are:

  • to encourage providers to improve the overall quality and delivery of healthcare, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients
  • to support consumers as they identify medical facilities that best meet their needs

To find a Blue Distinction Center for Specialty Care, please click "BlueCard® Doctor & Hospital Finder".

If you are a physician or hospital administrator interested in learning more or applying for the Blue Distinction designation for your medical facility, please click here.

Note:  Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means that these facilities' overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians' and leading professional organizations’ recommendations.  Individual outcomes may vary.  To find out which services are covered under your policy at these or any other facilities, please call your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan; and please call your provider before making an appointment, to verify the most current information on their Network participation status.  Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any of its Licensees are responsible for any damages, losses, or non-covered charges that may result from using this Web site or receiving care from a provider listed in this Web site.