St. Alexius Becomes Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery
Posted on 2/14/2007
St. Alexius Medical Center has met the criteria necessary to be designated a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric SurgerySM. This designation means that St. Alexius, along with the surgeons from Mid Dakota Clinic, has met or exceeded certain criteria that demonstrate reliability in delivering bariatric surgical care and better overall outcomes for patients.
The Blue Distinction CentersSM initiative is based on an evidence-based approach to specialty care. Blue Cross Blue Shield has 15 years of experience in working with medical professionals to encourage the use of clinically validated standards for complex procedures such as bariatric surgery.
The Blue Distinction CentersSM initiative is the Blue Cross Blue Shield companies’ nationwide program to engage consumers to help them to make more informed healthcare decisions and to collaborate with providers to improve quality outcomes and affordability.
The criteria for selection to be a Blue Distinction Center were developed with input from expert physicians, surgeons, behaviorists and nutritionists and include a comprehensive evaluation of facilities’ volume, structure, process and outcome measures. Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric SurgerySM have dedicated teams in place to provide a full range of bariatric surgical care services including inpatient care, post-operative care, follow-up and patient education.
For more information, please call:
Lori Haar, , RN, 530-5189, St. Alexius Bariatric Program Coordinator or Jean Ellefson, RN, 530- 6330 Mid Dakota Clinic Bariatric Program Coordinator.