LITTLE FALLS, MN – 1/20/2026 – CHI – St. Gabriel’s Health is proud to announce it has been recognized with the esteemed Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement designation for the 2025 program year. This national recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield highlights hospitals and surgery centers that demonstrate exceptional quality and cost-efficiency in joint replacement procedures, with a focus on delivering superior patient outcomes.
The Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement program evaluates facilities based on rigorous, evidence-based criteria designed to identify providers with proven expertise in total knee and hip replacement surgeries. This designation signifies CHI – St. Gabriel’s Health’s commitment to patient-centered care, surgical excellence, and a dedication to improving health outcomes for individuals undergoing these life-changing procedures.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement designation,” said Maryrose Knutson, interim president of St. Gabriel’s Health. “This recognition reflects the tireless dedication of our entire orthopedic team – our surgeons, nurses, therapists, and support staff – to providing the highest quality, safest, and most effective care for our patients. It underscores our commitment to achieving the best possible results for those in our community seeking relief from knee and hip pain.”
The Blue Distinction Centers program is data-driven, utilizing performance metrics such as 90-day readmission and admission rates, major complications, and mortality, with data often provided by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). Facilities like CHI – St. Gabriel’s Health earn this designation by meeting strict quality benchmarks that emphasize patient safety, better outcomes, and a commitment to lower readmission and complication rates.
This recognition empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By choosing a Blue Distinction Center, patients can be confident they are selecting a provider with a demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality, safe, and potentially more affordable options for knee and hip surgery.
For more information about the program and designations, please visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.
Contact:
Julie Vreeland – St. Gabriel’s Health – 320-631-5432