Barnes-Jewish Hospital has been named a Blue Distinction Center in Bariatric Surgery. This recognizes the Weight Loss Surgery Program, offered by Washington University bariatric surgeons, as expert providers in delivering specialty care.
The Blue Distinction Center designation is awarded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association to bariatric surgery centers with a proven track record for delivering better results, including lower complication rates and fewer readmissions. Programs with this distinction provide a full range of bariatric surgery care, including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education.
To receive a Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, a healthcare facility must demonstrate success in meeting patient safety measures as well as bariatric-specific quality measures, including complication and readmission rate for laparoscopic procedures in sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and adjustable gastric band. All designated facilities must also be nationally accredited at both the facility and bariatric program-specific levels.
“We are honored that Barnes-Jewish has been named a Blue Distinction Center in Bariatric Surgery,” says Chris Eagon, MD. “This distinction recognizes our team’s commitment to providing the best care and outcomes for our patients throughout their entire weight loss surgery journey.”
The Washington University Weight Loss Surgery Program offers bariatric surgery as an option for people who are severely obese and have been unable to lose weight through diet or other traditional means. Those who have serious obesity-related health problems may also be candidates.
More than two thirds of adults in the United States are overweight, and over one third are obese, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Generally, the various forms of surgery – gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy – promote weight loss and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by limiting food intake. Some operations also interrupt the digestive process to prevent the absorption of some calories and nutrients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recognizes Eagon, Francesca Dimou, MD, and Shaina Eckhouse, MD, as participating physicians affiliated with this designated facility as well. Eagon, Dimou and Eckhouse are board certified and fellowship-trained surgeons who have considerable experience with minimally invasive weight loss surgery. They offer the latest technology for bariatric procedures, including robotic surgery. Benefits of robotic weight loss surgery include smaller incisions, enhanced visualization, access to targeted anatomy and improved ergonomics.
The bariatric surgery team also includes registered dietitians, mental health professionals, physical therapists, and more, who offer support for patients in the time leading up to and for years after their weight loss surgery. Every member of the team helps ensure that people receive the best weight loss results.
To learn more about the Weight Loss Surgery Program, visit their website or call (314) 454-7224.