Becoming A Center Of Excellence

A center of excellence (COE) designation can be a strategically advantageous option for high-performing provider organizations. But the concept has changed over time. Historically, a research center has operated a COE program to promote best practices related to specific health care conditions but the definition has expanded (see Centers Of Excellence In Healthcare Institutions: What They Are And How To Assemble Them).

Health plans have expanded on this concept by developing programs that grant preferred status to participating provider organizations. Provider organizations that meet specific programmatic, cost, and performance criteria typically reserve the designation for condition-specific programs. Programs . . .