The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock has been designated as a Blue Distinction+ center for spine surgery as well as hip and knee replacement.
UAMS is the first center in the state to receive the distinction in both specialties. The distinction was awarded by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
"This designation is meant to help guide patients in making specialty care decisions," Curtis Barnett, president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, said in a Feb. 10 news release. "It signifies that the provider has gone through a rigorous, independent evaluation process based on national standards and been found to provide excellent care at reasonable cost."
UAMS' spine team includes David Bumpass, MD; Samuel Overley, MD; Richard McCarthy, MD; T. Glenn Pait, MD; Noojan Kazemi, MD; and T.W. Morris III, MD.
The hip and knee program includes Lowry Barnes, MD; Simon Mears, MD, PhD; Jeffrey Stambough, MD; and Benjamin Stronach, MD.
More than 500 centers have earned the designation for hip and knee replacement and more than 300 facilities received the spine surgery certification.