Crozer-Keystone's Bariatric Surgery Program Earns ASMBS Center of Excellence Status
The Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program at Crozer-Chester Medical Center was recently designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® (BSCOE) program was created to advance the safety, efficacy and efficiency of bariatric and metabolic surgical care. The program recognizes surgeons and facilities that demonstrate and unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care.
To earn the designation, Crozer’s program underwent a rigorous process during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. Crozer and other centers receiving the Center of Excellence designation agree to continue to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data. The designation helps identify where patients can expect to receive the safest and most effective surgical treatment.
As a result of the designation, Crozer can now open the program to those previously excluded: Medicare and Pennsylvania Medicaid patients. Several major health insurers have taken notice of the program and require the BSCOE designation as a first-step for inclusion in their bariatric surgery networks.
“We are proud to be recognized as a Center of Excellence. It confirms the great work that our excellent team does every day to help our patients live healthier lives,” says Leon Katz, M.D., lead surgeon and medical director of Crozer’s program. “Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbidly obese patients, but being able to offer this service to our community safely and effectively requires a strong commitment from our health system as well as the expertise and experience of a range of health care professionals.”
The rigorous BSCOE application process looks at three different areas: The surgeon, the practice (program) and the facility. The surgeon must demonstrate significant expertise in bariatric surgery. Site inspectors review volumes and outcomes, surgical techniques utilized and the surgeon's commitment to stay abreast of the most current and appropriate surgical treatments. The inspectors also complete a thorough site inspection to verify a commitment to excellence and safety. This includes a walk-through of all "touch-points" that a typical pre- and post-op bariatric patient will encounter.
Inspectors also interview the hospital’s staff and leaders and perform a detailed review of inpatient/outpatient medical charts of a random selection of patients. Multidisciplinary care is integral to the treatment of a bariatric patient and is required for BSCOE designation. The program must demonstrate a comprehensive treatment plan throughout each point of care in the continuum. In addition, BSCOE hospitals must also devote the time and resources needed to ensure ongoing bariatric education for staff members.
The professionals of the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program at Crozer-Chester Medical Center believe that reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong commitment. The program has performed hundreds of surgeries with an outstanding history of outcomes. For more information about the program, and to register for a free information session offered via webinar or at six different locations in Delaware County, Chester County and New Jersey each month, visit http://bariatricsurgery.crozerkeystone.org or call (610) 619-8450.
The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the world. It is a non-profit organization that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of morbid obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. For more information, visit www.asmbs.org.
