What Is the Blue Distinction® Program?

Blue Distinction is a program offered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association that recognizes the highest quality providers and doctors.

Quality primary care doctors

Doctors who go above and beyond are recognized as part of Blue Distinction Total Care. These doctors focus on patient health and the quality of their practice. They also spend more time on prevention, wellness and personalized care.

Quality specialty care providers

Blue Distinction Specialty Care recognizes providers for delivering high-quality, effective, cost-efficient specialty care. Providers that meet quality standards earn designation as Blue Distinction Centers. Those that meet both quality standards and cost-efficiency standards are called Blue Distinction Centers+.

We recognize these providers as safe, effective treatment centers for the following:

  • Bariatric, or weight-loss surgery
  • Cancer care
  • Cardiac care
  • Cellular immunotherapy - CAR-T
  • Fertility care
  • Gene therapy - ocular disorders
  • Knee and hip replacement
  • Maternity care
  • Spine surgery
  • Substance use treatment and recovery
  • Transplants

Learn more about hospital quality including Blue Distinction Centers and other quality sources.

Finding a Blue Distinction doctor or hospital

You can find one by using Find a Doctor.

When you search for a doctor or hospital, you can use the filter to show only Blue Distinction doctors or hospitals. Or, you can simply look for the Blue Distinction logos within each result.

Blue Distinction Centers meet standards for experience and performance established by medical professionals and organizations. To find out what specialty care your plan covers, call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card. Before you make an appointment, ask the Center if they’re in your plan’s network. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its licensees—including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and its subsidiaries—aren’t responsible for damages, losses and charges your plan doesn’t cover when you use the Association’s website or get care from a provider listed there.

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