Two-minute impact
According to a news release July 14, Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health care facilities that are committed to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes. To receive a Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, a health care facility must:
- Demonstrate success in meeting patient safety measures.
- Meet 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 the facility and bariatric program-specific levels.
"HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe takes great pride in its prestigious designation as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery," said Matt Davis, CEO at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe. "This exceptional recognition solidifies our unwavering dedication to delivering top-notch quality and personalized care. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of our devoted staff and doctors who prioritize our patients above all else on a daily basis."
Some context
According to the news release, the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program provides a full range of bariatric surgery care, including surgical care, postoperative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education. Bariatric surgery is procedure performed on the stomach of intestines to induce weight loss.
- Bariatric surgeries are among the most common elective surgeries in the U.S.
- More than 252,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in 2018 based on a report from the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 43% of U.S. adults are impacted by obesity-related health issues.
- 19% of youth are obese and are impacted by obesity-related health issues.
