Live Event and Webcast: Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Spearheads Major Initiative to Improve Healthcare Quality, Increase Cost ...( More than 800 Blue Distinction(R)...),Health

More than 800 Blue Distinction(R) Designations Have Been Awarded Across 45 States

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) will hold a live discussion and webcast on Tuesday, Nov. 18, to discuss its Blue Distinction designation -- a major effort spearheaded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies nationwide to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare.

BCBSA will discuss the findings of ongoing analyses demonstrating that the recognized facilities -- designated as Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care(R) -- are delivering higher quality care and better value, when compared to other healthcare facilities. The Blue Distinction program is a key element of BCBSA's "Pathway to Covering America: Ensuring Quality, Value, and Access," a plan of action for simultaneously improving healthcare for those who have access and expanding coverage to those who do not.

WHAT: Live discussion and online presentation of the Blue Distinction Program, which is transforming healthcare by rewarding quality patient outcomes and efficiencies.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 18, 2008

2:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. CST / 12:00 p.m. MST / 11:00 a.m. PST

WHO:

-- Dr. Allan Korn, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, BCBSA

-- Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

-- Dr. Carole Redding Flamm, Executive Medical Director, BCBSA

-- Dr. Fred Edwards, Chair of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons' (STS) Workforce on National Databases

-- Ed Caillier, Vice President for Benefit Design, US Bancorp

WHERE: National Press Club, Lisagor Room

529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor

Washington, DC 20045

202-662-7500

TO JOIN: -- For audio and video streamed to your PC, log on to: http://www.bcbs.com/new
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