Norton Cancer Institute named Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
LOUISVILLE , Ky. (Jan. 17, 2008): Norton Cancer Institute has been designated a Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare CancersSM by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Facilities with this designation provide a full range of cancer care services, including inpatient cancer care, cancer surgery and cancer rehabilitation. The Blue Distinction designation demonstrates reliability in delivering complex and rare cancer care and achieving better overall outcomes for patients.
For more than 15 years, staff of the Blue Distinction initiative has worked with medical professionals to encourage the use of clinically validated care delivery standards for complex procedures such as transplants, cardiac care, bariatric surgery and now for complex and rare cancers. Blue Distinction is a nationwide program designed to create an unprecedented level of transparency with two goals: engaging consumers to enable them to make more informed health care decisions and collaborating with providers to improve overall quality outcomes and affordability.
The criteria for selection to the Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers program were developed with input from expert physician panels and national organizations, and include a comprehensive evaluation of structure, process and outcomes measures. Designated facilities must score at least 65 points and meet all program requirements.
“We are pleased and proud to receive the Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers designation from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield,” said Tammy McClanahan, associate vice president, Norton Cancer Institute. “It further validates the quality of the care provided every day by scores of dedicated professionals at Norton Cancer Institute.”
In January 2007, the Norton Healthcare Board of Trustees committed an additional $100 million in the fight against cancer and created Norton Cancer Institute. The organization has expanded all its major cancer programs in the past year, including patient navigators, behavioral oncology, neuro-oncology, survivorship programs, cancer detection and prevention, and bereavement support.
About Norton Cancer Institute
Treating more than half of the cancer cases in Louisville , Norton Cancer Institute is the leading provider of comprehensive cancer care in Kentucky and southern Indiana . Our team of specialists is dedicated to offering patients confidence and hope through a multi-disciplinary approach to advanced cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Norton Cancer Institute also provides extensive educational, physical and emotional support services for patients, as well as the opportunity to participate in variety of cancer research studies and clinical trials. Norton Cancer Institute is designated by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) as the only accredited Cancer Network in Kentucky and one of only 27 in the nation.
