Pardee UNC Health Care is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina with a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Speciality Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally recognized healthcare facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes. The Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program provides a full range of bariatric surgery care; including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care, and patient education. 

Bariatric surgeries are among the most common elective surgeries in the U.S. — with more than 252,000 bariatric surgeries performed in 2018 based on a report from the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 42.7% of U.S. adults and 18.5% of youth are obese and are impacted by obesity-related health conditions. With obesity reaching epidemic levels among U.S. adults, a significant opportunity exists to improve quality care for bariatric surgeries within the national healthcare system.

“Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severely obese patients because it allows for substantial, sustained weight loss, which leads to, improves, or resolves obesity-related co-morbidities like type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Chris Edwards, medical director, Pardee Bariatrics. “Earning this designation is proof of our commitment to evidence-based and leading-edge surgery, integrated and customized care, and life-long maintenance and support for our patients in providing them successful outcomes, and happier, healthier lives.”

To receive a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Bariatric Surgery designation, a healthcare facility must demonstrate success in meeting patient safety measures and 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, as well as demonstrated cost-efficiency compared to their peers. Facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers+ are on average 20 percent more cost-efficient in an episode of care compared to other facilities. For more information about Pardee’s bariatrics program visit pardeebariatrics.org.