Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is widely recognized as a contributor to serious health risks. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the total number of Americans having weight-loss surgery more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 – from 13,386 to 71,733 – with part of the increase driven by a 900 percent rise in surgeries on patients between the ages of 55 and 64. Blue Distinction^® provides objective information to help patients make informed decisions when choosing a provider.

Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery^® 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 physicians and medical organizations*, including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS), 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 270 Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery across the country.

• List of Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery (PDF)
• Blue Distinction Center Finder

To view the list of Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery, please click on the link to launch a PDF. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader® to view the document. If you do not have Acrobat, please click here to download it for free.

• Blue Distinction Selection Criteria (overview)
• Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery Selection Criteria (detail)

Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery, along with Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care^® , Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers^®, Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement^SM, Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery^SM and Blue Distinction Centers for Transplants^® 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.

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