Program requirements for new BDCs in spine and joint surgery
BCBSM and BCN are getting ready to invite hospitals to participate in the electronic RFI process to identify Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery and for Joint (Hip and Knee Replacement) Surgery. The required criteria for BDC designations are listed below:

• Facility must be an acute care inpatient facility with intensive care and emergency room services
• BDC for Spine Surgery
• Facility performs at least 100 spine surgeries annually
• Average surgeon volume (across all active surgeons) is at least 50 spine surgeries annually
• BDC for Joint Surgery
• Facility performs at least 100 total joint replacement surgeries (primary) per year, with at least 50 each of total knee and total hip
• Average surgeon volume (across all active surgeons) is at least 50 primary or revision total joint arthroplasty (THA or TKA) procedures annually

If your hospital is interested to participate in the e-RFI process, please send an e-mail to kjohnson8@bcbsm.com identifying a contact person, his/her title, phone number and e-mail address by April 17, 2009. Invitations to participate in the e-RFI process will be sent to the contact person when the process begins in May.