News

Kootenai Medical Center Designated a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care

Coeur d'Alene, ID - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Idaho has designated Kootenai Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care. To date, only 415 facilities nationwide have received a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care designation. Kootenai is the only hospital in Idaho to receive this current designation.

Blue Distinction is awarded to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare. This includes meeting rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established with the help of expert physicians' and recommendations from medical organizations, such as the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

"Kootenai's staff and physicians are extremely committed to making sure every patient is given the best possible care," said Mike Blee, director of Kootenai Heart Center. "That commitment means better outcomes for our patients. We were pleased to learn that we have been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care."

Kootenai Medical Center offers comprehensive cardiac care services, including inpatient cardiac care, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery.

"Blue Distinction puts a high value on research and evidence-based health and medical information," says Allan Korn, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. "Blue Distinction Centers show our commitment to working with doctors and hospitals in communities across the country to identify leading institutions that meet clinically validated quality standards and deliver better overall outcomes in patient care."

For more information on Kootenai Medical Center or the Kootenai Heart Center, visit www.KootenaiHealth.org or call (208) 666-2545.