Chicago, IL – [January 21, 2026] – Insight Hospital & Medical Center announced today that it has been named a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Blue Distinction® Center for Spinal Surgery, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based spine care. The designation also highlights the clinical leadership of Dr. Ahmad Elakil, department chair and a leading spine surgeon at Insight, whose expertise and outcomes were integral to the recognition.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional spinal care to our patients and our community,” said Dr. Rodwan Rajjoub, Spine Surgeon at Insight Hospital & Medical Center. “Being named a Blue Distinction Center affirms the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, advanced surgical techniques, and patient-centered care in achieving the best possible outcomes.”

“Insight Hospital & Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield for meeting nationally recognized standards for spinal surgery,” said Atif Bawahab, CEO of Insight Hospital & Medical Center Chicago. “This designation reinforces our mission to expand access to high-quality specialty care on Chicago’s South Side and ensure our patients receive the same level of excellence found at leading institutions nationwide.”

The Blue Distinction Centers for Spinal Surgery program evaluates hospitals on factors such as quality of care, length of stay, readmissions, complication rates, and overall patient safety, helping patients make informed decisions when selecting care for complex spine conditions.

Blue Distinction Centers are designated for a range of specialty care areas and are intended to help patients identify providers that deliver safer, more effective, and higher-quality care. Not all hospitals qualify, and designation is awarded only to those that meet the program’s comprehensive quality criteria.

Blue Distinction Centers are hospitals and specialty care practices that demonstrate overall quality, patient safety, and improved clinical outcomes, based on objective, publicly available measures developed in collaboration with medical experts and national accreditation organizations. Facilities earning the Blue Distinction designation must meet rigorous criteria for surgical outcomes, patient experience, complication rates, and adherence to best practices.

For more information about Insight Hospital & Medical Center’s spinal surgery services or the Blue Distinction Centers program, visit www.insightchicago.com or BCBS Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program.

For more information about Insight Hospital & Medical Center’s spinal surgery services or the Blue Distinction Centers program, visit www.insightchicago.com or BCBS Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program.

About Insight Hospital & Medical Center
Located in the heart of Bronzeville, Insight Hospital & Medical Center Chicago is a leading institution dedicated to transforming health and wellness on Chicago’s South Side through compassionate care, community engagement, and innovation.