WVU Medicine Bariatrics earns national reaccreditation
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Bariatrics has been reaccredited as a comprehensive center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The accreditation demonstrates WVU Medicine’s commitment to delivering the highest quality care for its bariatric surgery patients. This is the third time WVU Medicine Bariatrics has received this three-year accreditation.
MBSAQIP works to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of bariatric surgical centers. A bariatric surgical center achieves accreditation following a rigorous review process during which it proves that it can maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice. All accredited centers report their outcomes to the MBSAQIP database.
WVU Medicine Bariatrics offers a comprehensive, surgical weight loss program with a strong focus on pre-surgery education and post-operative success. Regular follow-up appointments and monthly support groups are designed to help patients succeed. The program offers a team approach to treating severe obesity and includes dietitians, clinical psychologists, physician assistants, and nurses who work with each patient before, during, and after the surgery to ensure patients receive the best care. In addition, WVU Medicine Bariatrics has access to healthcare experts who provide a complete range of specialty care and state-of-the-art imaging and scanning services.
“West Virginia continues to have the highest obesity rates in the nation, with more than one third of our citizens being overweight or obese,” Lawrence Tabone, M.D., WVU Medicine director of bariatrics, said. “Our recertification as a Center of Excellence emphasizes our ongoing dedication to providing the highest quality care for our patients.”
In the United States, more than 11 million people suffer from severe obesity and an estimated 93 million people are obese. The comorbidities associated with obesity range from diabetes and heart disease to certain types of cancers. Bariatric surgical procedures have been shown to reduce obesity, improve mortality, and decrease the health risks from chronic diseases such as cardiomyopathy and diabetes.
For more information on WVU Medicine Bariatrics, including information on free informational sessions, visit www.wvumedicine.org/bariatrics.