Columbus Community Hospital recognized for high-quality knee and hip replacements
Contact: Amy Blaser
For Immediate Release
(COLUMBUS, Neb.) - Columbus Community Hospital has earned national recognition for its exceptional
orthopedic care. The hospital has been designated as a Blue Distinction® Center (BDC) for Knee and Hip
Replacement by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE).
This recognition is awarded to facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering high-quality care, with a
focus on patient safety and improved health outcomes. It is based on objective criteria developed in
collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
“Receiving this designation affirms our ongoing commitment to providing patients with the highest level
of care,” said Mike Hansen, president and CEO of the hospital. “Our orthopedic team’s dedication to
safety, precision and continuous improvement is helping patients achieve better outcomes and quicker
recoveries.”
Facilities recognized as Blue Distinction Centers meet a rigorous set of criteria that reflects their
commitment to quality and patient safety. They are required to demonstrate low rates of complications,
mortality and unplanned readmissions within 90 days of elective primary total knee and hip
replacements. In addition, they must have enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in place to support
improved patient care, and participate in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s BlueCard® PPO
Network.
“Being named a Blue Distinction Center is a reflection of the quality we strive for every day,” said Dr.
Mark Howerter, chief medical officer at CCH. “This designation recognizes the strength of our surgical
team, our focus on patient safety, and the targeted improvements we’ve made — from individualized
education to robotic-assisted procedures and enhanced infection prevention. It reinforces that we’re
doing the right things for our patients, and motivates us to keep pushing for even better outcomes.”
The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program was launched in 2005 to help patients find trusted providers
offering high-quality, cost-effective specialty care. It spans several specialty areas, including bariatric
surgery, cardiac care, fertility care and orthopedic procedures such as knee and hip replacements.
For more information about orthopedic services at the hospital, visit columbushosp.org or call 402-564-
7118.