Bone up your program: certification process for the total knee replacement and total hip replacement center

Knee and hip osteoarthritis, combined with the increased aging population, obesity, and other health-related risk factors, has led to a great need for joint replacement procedures. Joint replacement programs have been developed within hospitals to meet this demand. Joint replacement programs have been designed to provide an efficient and structured delivery of care. Facilities can demonstrate, to those seeking care, their quality programs by applying for and obtaining certification. Joint replacement certifications can guide facilities in providing a solid structure of improved care, quality, and superior outcomes. This article describes the steps that a community hospital took to attain the Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement as well as The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement.