MUSC Health Orangeburg recognized for maternity care

To earn this designation, a facility must deliver quality care, safely and cost-effectively.

The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s National Health Equity Strategy aimed at reducing racial health disparities across the care spectrum and improving patient outcomes for all Americans.

To align with this strategy, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program enhanced its quality and measurement standards to recognize higher-quality facilities that have taken action to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies, reduce racial disparities, and improve maternal health outcomes.

Based on data from the current designation cycle, facilities designated under the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program demonstrate higher-quality care compared to non-Blue Distinction Center facilities, with overall average rates of 26% lower episiotomies, 60% fewer elective deliveries and 17% lower cesarean births—all of which point to healthier outcomes for patients. BDC+ designated facilities also exhibited an average savings of 21% for maternity care.

“At MUSC Women’s Health Orangeburg, we have so many experienced, highly skilled, compassionate care team members who work diligently to provide exceptional care to every patient they encounter. Achieving this designation is a testament to their commitment,” said Stephanie Crider, MUSC Health Orangeburg’s director of women’s health and newborn nursery.

The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program’s selection criteria was devised to close clinical care gaps and reduce inequities that persist throughout the maternal care spectrum. The selection criteria include components of BCBSA’s Maternal Health Equity Actions, which dismantle the cultural, operational and structural barriers that have created inequities that persist in maternal care.

“Congratulations to the entire team at MUSC Health Orangeburg for achieving recognition through the Blue Distinction Plus Specialty Care Program. Your commitment to quality is evident in the exceptional care provided daily to BlueCross members. The dedication to helping members manage their care is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes,” said Dr. Nate Henderson, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina chief medical officer.