Independence Health System Hospitals Recognized for Higher Quality Knee and Hip Replacements

GREENSBURG, PA, March 3, 2026 … Independence Health System announced that Westmoreland and Latrobe Hospitals are recognized by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Knee and Hip Replacement designation.  

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers that demonstrate expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes, and are more cost-effective. Designated knee and hip replacement facilities deliver high-quality care, with an average of 21% fewer readmissions and 21% fewer complications within 90 days after knee and hip replacement surgery. Designated facilities also achieve cost savings of 30% for knee and hip replacements compared to all other facilities for that specialty care area. 
 

“This designation is a testament to the rigorous standards met by Westmoreland and Latrobe Hospitals. Independence Health System is committed to providing the highest quality of care and most recent medical advancements to its patients, and earning this distinction is one way to demonstrate its pride in doing just that,” said Mary Elizabeth Kovacik Eicher, MD, MPH, associate chief medical officer, Independence Health System. “Patients treated at these designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices of the Orthopedics team that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, making a positive difference in their overall health journey.”  

Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).  

To learn more about the services offered through Independence Health System, visit www.independence.health. 

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About Independence Health System 
Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region.  

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health. 

About BCBS Plan 
Highmark is a registered mark of Highmark Inc. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Highmark is a registered mark of Highmark Inc. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. 

About Blue Distinction Centers 
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for noncovered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.