Published on January 07, 2026

Torrance Memorial Recognized for Higher Quality and Cost-Efficiency Spine Surgery

TORRANCE, Calif., January 7, 2026 – Torrance Memorial is proud to be recognized by Anthem Blue Cross with a Blue Distinction® Center+ (BDC+) for Spine Surgery designation.

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers (ASCs) that demonstrate expertise in delivering improved patient safety, better health outcomes, and are more cost-effective. Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

This designation is a testament to the rigorous standards met by our spine care team. Designated facilities provide high-quality care, with an average of 28% lower readmission rates and 29% lower complications within 90 days after spine surgery. BDC+ designated facilities also achieve cost savings of 23% for spine surgery compared to all other facilities for that specialty care area.

Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, making a positive difference in their overall health journey.

Blue Distinction Centers+ for Spine Surgery help consumers find both quality and value for their spinal care needs, while also encouraging health care professionals to improve the overall delivery of care nationwide.

Among other criteria, to receive a designation, facilities must:

  • Have full accreditation from at least one national accrediting organization as either a hospital or ambulatory surgery center

  • Have low complication, mortality and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days of the primary spine surgery

  • Have enhanced recovery after surgery processes and procedures in place for quality perioperative care

  • Participate in Anthem Blue Cross' BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network

By meeting these stringent criteria, Torrance Memorial not only highlights its commitment to high-quality and affordable health care but also commits to remaining at the forefront of advancements in spine surgery.

To further improve patient outcomes and inform treatment strategies, BCBSA utilized the American Spine Registry (ASR)—a joint effort with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and AAOS—for evidence-based performance measures and patient reported outcome measures.

Since 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care—and, for those that meet the program’s cost criteria, at lower costs—in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the quality of care they deliver.

Media Contact:

Julie Taylor, Manager, Marketing and Communications

Phone: 310-784-4952

E-mail: Julie.taylor@tmmc.com