Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

Marina Del Rey Hospital and Dr. Jeremy Korman have earned the ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE) designation. The Surgical Review Corporation and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery designate Centers of Excellence together. The designation was created in 2004.

The ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program was started in 2004 to advance the safety, efficacy and efficiency of bariatric and metabolic surgical care. It recognizes surgeons and facilities that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care. The program is structured to help bariatric surgery providers continuously improve care, quality and patient safety. 

Excellent patient care comes down to both the individual surgeon and the facility where the surgery is performed.  The BSCOE designation is awarded to both the surgeon and the facility.  This allows patients to distinguish providers who deliver high-quality pre-op and long-term follow-up care.  

To earn the BSCOE designation, Marina Del Rey Hospital provided information on all aspects of our bariatric surgery program and processes, including data on our surgical outcomes. We also participated in a rigorous site inspection. Several different factors  are considered when deciding whether a facility deserves the designation, including

• A review of the bariatric faciltiy 
• Interviews with surgeons, staff, and hospital staff.
• A review of the facility’s medical records
• Review of each individual surgeon to see whether he or she meets the requirements
• Guidelines for all staff taking care of Bariatric patients to ensure continuity of care

One of the major benefits of the BSCOE designation is that it enables reimbursement from major health insurers, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  More than 262 million Americans are insured by health plans that recognize the BSCOE designation. In fact, several major insurers including Medicare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield will cover bariatric surgery only when it is performed at a Center of Excellence.

Some insurance companies have their own Center of Excellence designation to help consumers make informed decisions and find quality, specialty care.These designations recognize centers that have demonstrated expertise in bariatric surgery.  Facilities must meet rigorous clinical criteria, demonstrate successful outcomes and show their commitment to quality care.  In addition to being an ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the LA Bariatrics program at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles holds Center of Excellence designations from Blue Cross, United and Cigna.
 

If you are interested in learning more about the ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation please call our office at (310) 577-5540 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeremy Korman.