CINCINNATI - University Hospital has received designation as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Blue Distinction is awarded to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality health care and is founded on evidence-based, objective selection criteria in collaboration with expert physicians' and medical organizations' recommendations.

Kathleen Beal, director of quality management services at University Hospital, says the hospital's cardiac program showed tremendous strength and received high scores in both inpatient and outpatient care in addition to cardiac catheterization services offered.

'We are very pleased to have received this distinction,' she says. 'This speaks to the tremendous cardiac care we offer here and allows others to see that this truly is a center of excellence.'

The distinction will be placed on the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Web site for patients and potential patients to see.

Neal Weintraub, MD, chief of the cardiovascular disease division, says this distinction is another way to showcase the impactful work UC and hospital cardiologists are doing.

'Our team is nationally and internationally known for its expertise in both our clinical and emergency heart care,' he says. 'Our doctors bring substantial expertise to the table and ensure that our services are of the highest quality. This distinction, which recognizes all of our hard work, is an honor.'