Cedar Park Regional Medical Center announced Wednesday that it has earned accreditation as a comprehensive bariatric surgery center.

The medical center was accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, which is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The program accredits bariatric surgery centers that have participated in “an independent, voluntary and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards to improve patient outcomes and long-term success,” according to a press release from the CPRMC.

“Our accreditation demonstrates the commitment to provide outstanding support and care for our patients, both pre- and postoperatively,” said Brad Holland, CEO of the medical center. “Our team of surgeons and other specialized bariatric team members have worked diligently to create a nationally recognized care experience and the highest quality outcomes for patients.”

The accreditation means CPRMC demonstrated through the evaluation that it provides quality improvement and patient safety efforts for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients.

According to CPRMC, metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures have been effective in reducing some conditions related to severe obesity. Around 15 million people suffer from severe obesity in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health.

CPRMC offers regular seminars on weight-loss surgery. For more information, call the medical center’s bariatric program at 512- 528-7317 or visit cedarparkregional.com/bariatrics.