Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast and CMC-Mercy have been named Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association for 2008. Only eight facilities in North Carolina received the designation, given to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare, a press release said.
Facilities are evaluated on their volume, structure and outcome measures. The criteria for being designated as a Blue Distinction Center are established by clinicians, medical societies and professional organizations.
The designation as a Blue Distinction Center demonstrates reliability in performing bariatric surgical care and better overall outcomes for patients, the press release said. Both hospitals offer a full range of services that include inpatient and post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education.
Combined, the two centers performed more than 620 surgeries in 2007 with patients coming from more than 30 states. Both facilities have maintained a zero mortality rate since their bariatric programs were started, as well as very low re-admission and re-operation percentages, according to the press release. NorthEast and Mercy also implement a follow-up program that includes patient monitoring for five years after surgery, a nutrition program and appointments with an exercise physiologist.
Anyone seeking more information on the CMC-NorthEast Center for Bariatric Surgery may call Sue Rutland at 704-403-1380. Those seeking more information on Carolinas Weight Management and Wellness Center and the Bariatric Center at CMC-Mercy may call 704-355-9484.