Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois has designated Passavant Area Hospital as one of the first recipients of the Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care honor.
The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program evaluates hospitals on several quality measures, including percentage of newborns with early elective delivery.
According to a press release, early term infants face higher risks of death and respiratory ailments when compared to babies born 39 weeks or later.
Hospitals that receive the designation agree to meet requirements that align with principals supportive of evidence-based practices of care. The program evaluates hospitals on overall patient satisfaction as well.