Facing a health diagnosis or surgery can leave you feeling stressed or overwhelmed. When navigating cancer care or spine surgery, you want a team that can guide you through your treatments and procedures. In times like these, having trusted, high-quality care matters. Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC) are nationally recognized by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) for their proven track record of delivering demonstrated specialty care for patients. This recognition helps patients and families confidently choose hospitals and facilities that are well‑suited to their specific health needs, providing peace of mind.
BCBSA recognizes health care facilities in 11 specialized areas for Blue Distinction Specialty Care:
- Bariatric surgery
- Cancer care
- Cardiac care
- Cellular immunotherapy
- Fertility care
- Gene therapy
- Knee and hip replacement
- Maternity care
- Spine surgery
- Substance use treatment
- Transplants
Blue Distinction recognitions fall into two categories: Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) and Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+). Both designations recognize health care facilities that deliver high-quality care, demonstrate clinical expertise, and achieve better overall patient outcomes. BDC+ facilities meet the same high-quality standards, with care designed to be more accessible and affordable.
“To earn these designations, interested facilities and providers undergo a rigorous evaluation of quality and cost measures for area,” says Kathleen Locke, facility relations and contract coordinator at HMSA. “These measures are based on criteria developed by medical experts and other professional organizations to make sure every assessment is completely objective and accurate.” Designations are typically re-evaluated and updated on an annual or multi-year cycle, depending on the specialized area.
Facilities with Blue Distinction designations are proven to deliver better care for their patients. They show lower rates of complications and hospital readmissions, offer average savings of more than 20% per treatment journey, and support smoother referral processes. Together, these factors can significantly improve the member experience and, in some cases, even save lives.
In Hawaii, four health care facilities have earned a BDC or BDC+ designation for their specialty services:
- Adventist Health Castle for bariatric surgery.
- Kuakini Medical Center for spine surgery.
- The Queen’s Medical Center for bariatric surgery, spine surgery, and substance use treatment.
- Wilcox Medical Center for maternity care.
Kuakini Medical Center (KMC) was redesignated as a BDC for spine surgery in 2025. Established in 2015, the hospital’s spine surgery program offers a full spectrum of treatment options, from minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructions. The program is led by two fellowship-trained physicians, Darin Awaya, M.D., and Jeffrey J.K. Lee, M.D.
“Earning the BCBS distinction at KMC reflects our commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and superior outcomes. This distinction validates the expertise in spine surgery care, evidence-based practice, and better outcomes at Kuakini Medical Center,” says Dr. Awaya. “It also demonstrates the unusual willingness to work with insurance providers to serve our community both in and out of the operating room.”
With support from the Kuakini health care team, including specialists in surgery, anesthesia, imaging services, nursing, and rehabilitation, they provide a comprehensive range of coordinated care to ensure a safe and supportive experience for patients.
Patients in KMC’s spine surgery program experience fewer complications, well-managed pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, lower readmission rates, and overall positive outcomes. The facility was also recognized on Forbes’ Top Hospitals list.
Learn more about the health care centers in Hawaii with BDC or BDC+ designations at hmsa.com/about/quality. To learn more about the Blue Distinction program, visit bcbs.com.
More ways to find trusted care when it matters most
If you’re looking for reliable health care in Hawaii, check out these articles with information and tips to help you choose the right care.
- a step-by-step guide to help you find a therapist
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but this step-by-step guide helps you narrow your needs, understand costs, and use trusted resources to find the right fit.
- behavioral health support from magellan hawaii
Learn how Magellan Hawaii connects HMSA members to behavioral health providers, resources, and support for conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use.
- how to choose the right doctor for your needs
A practical guide to finding a provider who fits your health goals and preferences.
- ke ola mamo: advocating for community health
Learn how Ke Ola Mamo, a nonprofit Native Hawaiian health care organization on Oahu, supports communities through medical care, education, and culturally rooted programs.
