Regional West’s Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgery program is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska with a Blue Distinction Center (BDC) designation under the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program.
This program focuses on improving outcomes and guides adult and adolescent members to hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that meet quality and safety standards for common weight-loss procedures, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. BDC designated facilities have demonstrated expertise in patient safety and deliver better health outcomes.
“The Blue Distinction program gives members confidence that they are choosing facilities that have met rigorous, evidence-based standards for quality, safety and patient outcomes,” said Dr. Amy Helwig, chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. “We congratulate Regional West on earning this designation for bariatric surgery and commend its commitment to helping patients receive high-quality care as they take important steps toward improved health.”
To receive this designation, facilities must participate in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network and must be accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). MBSAQIP sets rigorous safety and quality standards, requires facilities to track outcomes over time, and confirms the expertise needed to perform weight-loss surgery safely.
All facilities designated under the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program have proven that they deliver higher-quality care under MBSAQIP’s objective standards for bariatric procedures. On average, BDC designated facilities have 37% fewer total (overall) and 49% fewer severe (life-threatening) complications for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy[1], and 14% fewer total and 20% fewer severe complications for gastric bypass1 compared to non-MBSAQIP-accredited facilities.
By meeting these criteria, Regional West demonstrated a strong commitment to higher-quality care and remains at the forefront of bariatric surgery advancement.
“Regional West’s Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgery program is proud to be a leader in weight loss care. This designation reflects our commitment to providing the best care possible to our patients,” said Jason LaTowsky, MD, the program’s medical director.
Members treated at designated facilities benefit from specialized expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, enhancing their overall health journey.
While bariatric surgery can be an important step toward better health, long-term outcomes also depend on healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, behavioral support, and close collaboration with specialists to help members adhere to recommended treatments and medications.
Blue Distinction Center programs help consumers find quality for their specialty care needs, while also encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the overall delivery of care nationwide.
Since 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped members find quality specialty care—and, for those that meet the program’s cost criteria, at lower costs—in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the quality of care they deliver.