Portneuf Recognized for Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality

BOISE, Idaho, April 26, 2010 – Blue Cross of Idaho today announced the winners of its 2009 Hospital Quality Awards, recognizing the top performing hospitals in the company's Hospital Quality Incentive Program. The incentive program and quality awards are part of Blue Cross of Idaho's ongoing efforts to promote a healthier Idaho and improve quality in healthcare.

The winners of the Blue Cross of Idaho 2009 Hospital Quality Awards are:

Rural hospitals

  • Steele Memorial Medical Center, Salmon, Award of Achievement
  • Oneida County Hospital, Malad, Award of Merit

Urban hospitals

  • Portneuf Medical Center, Pocatello, Award of Achievement
  • St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Boise, Award of Merit

"I enthusiastically congratulate the four hospitals earning our 2009 Hospital Quality Awards and commend them for their commitment to excellence," said Ray Flachbart, President and CEO of Blue Cross of Idaho. "Our award winners and the other 29 hospitals participating in the program have a significant impact throughout Idaho – their quality improvement and patient safety efforts save lives and reduce overall healthcare costs."

The Blue Cross of Idaho Hospital Quality Incentive Program, developed in collaboration with Idaho hospitals and the Idaho Hospital Association, rewards hospitals based on their efforts in measuring patient safety and improving clinical outcomes. The program evaluates several criteria, including the implementation of evidence-based measures known to improve health outcomes in treating pneumonia, heart attack and heart failure. The program also assesses and promotes patient safety by reducing infections and surgical complications.

Flachbart says this is the fourth year of the Blue Cross of Idaho Hospital Quality Awards and Blue Cross plans to continue working with all hospitals in Idaho to improve the quality of healthcare in the state.

Winners received their 2009 Hospital Quality Awards at the "Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Conference" in Boise on April 15, 2010.

About Blue Cross of Idaho

Blue Cross of Idaho, a not-for-profit mutual insurance company, is a leader in delivering innovative health insurance products, services and information to nearly 600,000 members. For 65 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of Idaho through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross of Idaho is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit bcidaho.com.