The bariatric program at Woman’s has again earned the Blue Distinction Specialty Care Center Plus designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield, a recognition it has held since January of 2018. Woman’s is the only Baton Rouge hospital and one of nine in Louisiana to earn this distinction, given only to providers that meet nationally established objective quality measures.
Bariatric surgery, commonly referred to as weight loss surgery, is one of the few weight loss treatments that have a history of proven results. Two of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries are gastric sleeve surgery and bypass surgery.
“This designation tells patients that when they choose Woman’s for weight loss surgery, they will not only receive our expertise of caring for women, but they also gain access to a comprehensive program that has been recognized as one of the best in the region in quality and value,” said Suzette Fontenot, bariatric surgery manager and weight loss surgery coordinator at Woman’s Hospital.
When a patient chooses Woman’s for weight loss surgery, she receives support though every step of the process. A weight loss surgery coordinator assists with everything from financing surgery to connecting women to resources to ensure success. A registered dietitian helps with nutritional needs before and after surgery, a clinical exercise physiologist designs exercise plans, a bariatric clinical reviewer responsible for producing high quality data to lead quality improvement projects, and a monthly support group led by our bariatric dietitian and a social worker to help patients manage emotional challenges.
The Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program for bariatric surgery includes two levels of designation, Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) and Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+). To qualify for designation, the facility must provide a full range of bariatric surgery care, including inpatient care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care, and patient education. Woman’s Hospital achieved the designation of BDC+, which recognizes expertise in delivering cost-efficient bariatric care in addition to quality care, treatment expertise, and better overall patient outcomes.
The weight loss surgery program at Woman’s is also nationally accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).