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CareFirst Top Specialist (log in required)
The Top Specialist designation is a badge in the CareFirst Provider Finder that recognizes providers who consistently deliver high-quality care, follow clinical guidelines, and manage costs responsibly. CareFirst uses this designation in the Provider Finder to help you choose high-value care but does not recommend this as the only reason to select a provider. Any rating program has a risk of measurement error and we encourage you to talk with your current providers before making decisions about specialty care.

Top Specialist designations are currently available for 14 specialties: cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, pulmonology, rheumatology, general surgery and urology. Specialists are assessed on an individual level and evaluated against peers in their specialty and region using BlueCross BlueShield Axis Provider Insights and CareFirst cost data. We have chosen to assess providers individually based on the data that is available for analysis.

A provider may not have this designation if they lack sufficient data, if their specialty is not yet eligible for evaluation, or if they practice in Maryland. CareFirst is working to include Maryland providers in the future pending regulatory approval. This designation does not influence provider payments. If you have a question, complaint or feedback about this program, please contact us at: Provider_Designations@carefirst.com.

http://www.healthgrades.com
HealthGrades provides a variety of information on physicians and hospitals based on data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Hospital ratings include mortality by diagnosis and Leapfrog status. (Note: There is a charge for some reports).

https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html
Hospital Compare allows you to compare the quality of care provided in acute-care hospitals (general hospitals) and critical access hospitals (rural community hospitals) for adult patients with common medical conditions such as heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia.

http://www.leapfroggroup.org
The Leapfrog Group provides information on the quality of certain aspects of care relevant to urban area hospitals.

http://recognition.ncqa.org/
NCQA certifies providers who have demonstrated that they meet important standards of care. Physicians in the Physician Practice Connections, Physician Practice Connections – Patient Centered Medical Home, Heart/Stroke Recognition, Diabetes Recognition and Back Pain Recognition programs have taken specific steps to enhance the quality of care delivered to members under their care. Select your state and the applicable Recognition Program to research providers.

https://www.jointcommission.org
The Joint Commission offers a comprehensive guide to accredited health care organizations and programs across the United States.