Two Freeman specialties ranked among top in the state

JOPLIN, Mo.—Freeman Health System is one of four hospitals in the state of Missouri to be recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement and is one of six hospitals in the state that meets criteria to be named a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery. Blue Distinction® is a national designation program that recognizes hospitals demonstrating expertise in delivering quality specialty care safely, efficiently, and effectively. 

This honor is bestowed upon facilities that meet nationally established quality measures focused on patient safety and outcomes. The goal of the program is to help consumers find both quality and value for their specialty care needs. 

“This level of recognition as two of the top programs in the state does not occur without exceptional orthopaedic and neurological surgeons,” said Dr. Richard Schooler, Freeman Chief Medical Officer. “This very significant distinction was made possible only by the skill and talent of our physicians.”

Freeman was also recently designated a Total Joint Replacement Specialty Center by UnitedHealth Premium. To earn this honor, Freeman orthopaedic surgeons met extensive quality and outcomes criteria based on nationally recognized standards and expert advice. One of only two hospitals in the state to receive perfect marks for quality care in total joint replacement, the health system was measured on its breadth and depth of care, staff experience, and outcomes reporting.

About Freeman Health System

Based in Joplin, Mo., and proudly recognized as the Best Hospital in southwest Missouri—as well as ranked #4 in the state—by US News & World Report, Freeman Health System provides comprehensive healthcare and behavioral health services, including cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurosciences, orthopaedics, and women’s services. The area’s only locally owned, not-for-profit health system, Freeman has more than 300 physicians representing 60 specialties serving southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma, and northwest Arkansas. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem, or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.