Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery
Obesity is widely recognized as a contributor to serious health risks, so it is no surprise that many Americans are opting for bariatric surgery as a means to help reduce extreme obesity. In fact, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the total number of bariatric surgeries increased 400%, from 13,386 to 121,055, from 1998 to 2004. To meet this growing demand, many facilities began performing these procedures, but with varying degrees of success.
Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric SurgerySM have demonstrated their commitment to quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for bariatric patients. Each facility meets stringent clinical criteria, developed in collaboration with expert physician panels and national medical societies*, including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), and is subject to periodic reevaluation as criteria continue to evolve.
Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery provide a full range of bariatric surgery care services, including inpatient care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education. To date, we have designated more than 200 Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery across the country.
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Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery, along with Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care, Blue Distinction Centers for Transplants, and Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers, are a key part of the Blues' effort to collaborate with doctors and facilities to improve the overall quality and affordability of specialty care.
If you are a physician or hospital administrator interested in learning more or applying for the Blue Distinction designation for your medical facility, please click here.
Some Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies ("Plans") may already participate in local bariatric surgery programs. The Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program neither disrupts nor replaces the Plans' own existing programs.
* These organizations have provided information and input, but do not formally endorse the Blue Distinction Centers program.
Note:
Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means that these facilities' overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians' and leading professional organizations’ recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at these or any other facilities, please call your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan; and please call your provider before making an appointment, to verify the most current information on their Network participation status. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any of its Licensees are responsible for any damages, losses, or non-covered charges that may result from using this Web site or receiving care from a provider listed in this Web site. 
