Ocala Health System Named Blue Distinction Center® for Knee and Hip Replacement

Ocala. FL (February 16, 2010) – Ocala Health System has been named a Blue Distinction Center® for knee and hip replacement by Blue Cross Blue Shield. One of only seven hospitals in Florida and the only one in Central Florida. This award is given to medical facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality healthcare.

This designation by Blue Cross Blue Shield is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians' and medical organizations' recommendations. The 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.

Blue Distinction Centers for knee and hip replacement are new designations awarded to medical facilities exhibiting a commitment to quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients. These facilities offer experienced, comprehensive inpatient knee and hip replacement services, including total knee and total hip replacement.

“This distinction recognizes the clinical talent in our orthopedics department and the expertise of our renowned surgeons,” said H. Rex Etheredge, CEO and president of Ocala Health System. “The comprehensive care that is afforded our patients is delivered through the collaborative efforts of nursing, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, anesthesiology and patient safety and quality. We are very pleased and honored to have achieved this designation,” he added.

For more information, please visit http://www.bmc.org/.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. To learn more about Blue Distinction®, please visit http://www.bcbs.com/ or contact your local Blue Plan.

About Ocala Health System
Ocala Health System is the health organization which encompasses Ocala Regional Medical Center, a 200-bed facility located in the heart of Ocala, and West Marion Community Hospital, a 70-bed hospital located in West Marion County. The organization includes the only Commission on Cancer approved cancer center in Marion County. It offers a host of medical services including bariatric surgery, cardiac and vascular, emergency, neurological and rehabilitation services and a variety of outpatient services.