Khatana SAM, et al. - The designation of centers of excellence (COE) hospitals has been proposed as a way to create networks that deliver high-quality care and is already affecting physician and hospital choice for some patients. In prior studies, COE programs were limited to surgical procedures, and demonstrated mixed results. The investigators of the current analysis evaluated the link between patient outcomes and characteristics of hospitals performing percutaneous interventions in New York and COE programs by three commercial payers: Institutes of Quality for cardiac medical interventions by Aetna Inc, Centers of Excellence for cardiac catheterization and angioplasty by Cigna, and Blue Distinction Centers for cardiac care by Blue Cross Blue Shield.