Bariatric Surgery Care Program at AHN Wexford Hospital Recognized by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

PITTSBURGH – The bariatric surgery program at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Wexford Hospital has been recognized by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are national designated health care facilities that demonstrate a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations. The bariatric surgery program at AHN West Penn Hospital was previously recognized.

Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery provide a full range of bariatric surgery care, including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education. They are recognized for their expertise in delivering specialty care and have lower complication rates as well as fewer readmissions.

“This latest recognition from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to providing the most advanced, highest quality care available,” said George Eid, MD, bariatric surgeon and chair of the AHN Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. “Their level of expertise and dedication has immeasurable impacts on our patients, affording them to live healthier, happier lives.”

Based at AHN West Penn Hospital, the AHN Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI) offers patients a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to weight loss surgery, supported by a team of experienced health professionals including bariatric surgeons, medical weight management specialists, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists, nurses and anesthesiologists.

In 2022, the BMI expanded its bariatric surgery program to AHN Wexford Hospital, providing convenient and advanced medical and surgical weight loss solutions to patients living north of Pittsburgh. Some innovative, minimally invasive surgical solutions for obesity and other metabolic diseases offered at AHN Wexford include laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic-sleeve gastrectomy and revisional surgeries.

Last year, the BMI’s bariatric program at Wexford Hospital was accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The program underwent an independent, voluntary and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical quality standards to achieve the accreditation.

“This recognition is yet another endorsement of the high-quality care our teams offer to patients,” said Allan Klapper, MD, president of AHN Wexford Hospital. “We’re extremely proud that AHN Wexford’s bariatric surgery team has met the rigorous selection criteria for Highmark’s Blue Distinction program.”

The AHN Bariatric and Metabolic Institute offers informational sessions at no cost, where patients can meet providers and learn about medical weight loss and surgical options. To learn more, call 412-235-5900 and select option 1.

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