Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies designate Blue Distinction Centers
for Complex and Rare Cancers(SM)



    CHICAGO, March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of ongoing efforts
to raise the overall quality of healthcare in America, Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Association (BCBSA) is expanding the Blue Distinction(R)
designation.



    Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield members have national access to more
than 80 Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers across 33
states. With this expansion, more than 780 Blue Distinction Cancers(SM) are
available to members nationwide, providing quality care in the areas of
cardiac care, bariatric surgery, transplants as well as complex and rare
cancers.



    "In our recently released 'The Pathway to Covering America' report, we
identify Blue Distinction as being a prime example of how we are
collaborating with leading providers to recognize outstanding achievements
in healthcare for our more than 100 million members," said Scott P. Serota,
BCBSA president and CEO. "In the current healthcare system, 30 cents of
every dollar is spent on care that is ineffective, inappropriate or
redundant. A key goal of Blue Distinction is to promote better healthcare
by expanding the number of providers delivering safe and effective care
based on objective, evidence-based criteria."



    Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers



    The expansion of the Blue Distinction designation to include the
treatment of complex and rare cancers will help a very specific patient
population in need of skilled and dedicated facilities that treat these
complicated cancers.



    Complex and rare cancers comprise approximately 15 percent of new
cancer cases each year, making it difficult for consumers to locate or
research an oncologist or surgical team that is experienced in treating
these specific malignancies.



    Designation of Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers
focuses on multidisciplinary treatment planning and complex, major surgical
treatments for the following malignancies:

    -- acute leukemia (inpatient/non-surgical)

    -- bladder cancer

    -- bone cancer

    -- brain cancer - primary

    -- esophageal cancer

    -- gastric cancer

    -- head and neck cancers

    -- liver cancer

    -- ocular melanoma

    -- pancreatic cancer

    -- rectal cancer

    -- soft tissue sarcomas

    -- thyroid cancer - medullary or anaplastic



    Selection criteria for Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare
Cancers set objective, evidence-based criteria for clinical care. All Blue
Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers feature:



    -- multidisciplinary team input, including sub-specialty trained teams
for complex and rare cancers and demonstrated depth of expertise across
cancer disciplines in medicine, surgery, radiation oncology, pathology and
radiology;



    -- ongoing quality management and improvement programs for cancer care;



    -- ongoing commitment to using clinical data registries and providing
access to appropriate clinical research for complex and rare cancers; and,



    -- sufficient volume of experience in treating rare and complex
cancers.



    National Comprehensive Cancer Network Collaboration



    Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers were developed in
strategic collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network*
(NCCN) and input from leading clinicians and professional organizations.



    "The NCCN is pleased to collaborate with Blue Cross and Blue Shield on
the development and the implementation of this important program," said
Bill McGivney, PhD, NCCN CEO. "We applaud and support the efforts of Blue
Cross and Blue Shield companies in dissemination of this information. It is
critical that experts establish and share criteria for the treatment of
complex cancers to improve care for patients whom we serve."



    Looking ahead, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies anticipate
expanding the list of facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers for
Complex and Rare Cancers, as well as developing future designations for
facilities that treat more common forms of cancer.



    For a complete listing of Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare
Cancers or for more information on all designated Blue Distinction Centers
for bariatric surgery, cardiac care and transplants, go to
http://www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction or call 1.800.810.BLUE.



    The Pathway to Covering America



    By identifying Blue Distinction Centers that meet rigorous, objective,
evidence-based criteria for clinical quality, established in collaboration
with leading medical specialists and professional organizations, the
Blues(R) are working to improve the quality of healthcare for all
Americans. Blue Distinction is a key component to BCBSA's recently released
report entitled, "The Pathway to Covering America." The report, a
five-point plan to improve access and healthcare quality, can be viewed at

    http://www.bcbs.com/issues/uninsured/pathway-to-covering-america/.



    About Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association



    The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of
39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue
Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more
than 100 million individuals - one-in-three Americans. For more information
on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please
visit http://www.BCBS.com.



    About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network



    The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit
alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers, is dedicated to
improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with
cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at
NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable
information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery
system. As a leader of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the
importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the
significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use
by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary
goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and
efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives. For more
information, visit http://www.nccn.org.



    Note: Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means 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 any facilities, please call
your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan; and 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 website or
receiving care from a provider listed in this website.



    * This organization has provided information and input, but does not
formally endorse the Blue Distinction Centers program.

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