Beebe weight-loss surgery center earns quality designations

Beebe Healthcare’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery has once again made its mark as a regional leader in the delivery of comprehensive bariatric services with a series of quality designations achieved in partnership with key health insurance carriers.

The bariatrics program recently underwent rigorous application and review processes with three separate health insurance carriers. Each captures data covering patient volume, clinical outcome and quality.

The designations recently achieved are from the Optum Health Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, Aetna Institute of Quality for Bariatric Surgery, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery.

Optum’s Center of Excellence networks are considered the gold standard in the delivery of complex healthcare services. This designation recognizes practices that deliver safe, successful and cost-effective treatment options. An extensive evaluation process of medical centers throughout the country takes place every year.

Aetna recognizes that quality care comes with a series of important decisions that must be made. Its institute of quality aims to guide patients in choosing healthcare facilities that deliver the highest-quality care in a cost-efficient manner. Evaluations and decisions regarding Aetna’s quality designation are based on procedures performed, success rates, cost efficiency, readmission rates and post-operative complication rates. Beebe’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery has been granted this designation through 2027.

Beebe has held the Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery designation since starting its bariatrics program in 2021. It is earned by facilities that undergo a rigorous application and review process with focus on patient volumes, complication rates, readmission rates, overall quality and patient outcomes data. This designation is important for patients who are interested in pursuing surgical weight loss and are Blue Cross Blue Shield policy holders; benefits are often enhanced for patients who choose a healthcare provider that is designated as a Blue Distinction Center.

Patients who turn to Beebe’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery are cared for by Tarek Waked, MD, medical director and board-certified surgeon specializing in advanced bariatric surgery, and Christopher Manieri, DO, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon, along with Kimberly Hyatt, MPH, RD, LDN, CSOWM, bariatric program manager and dietitian. The team is committed to guiding each patient on a personalized journey of weight loss that extends far beyond the day of surgery.

“Delaware has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation,” said Waked. “It’s one of the reasons we have taken such a comprehensive approach in building and growing our bariatric program here at Beebe. It supports our community and provides a service that is truly needed. Our ability to positively impact our state’s statistics is greater with these important designations awarded from several primary insurance carriers.”

Collectively, the designations from Optum Health, Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield confirm that Beebe’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery has met or exceeded national standards for bariatric-related care. Also, they affirm that the program has solid systems in place to continuously improve quality care, which correlates directly with both patient outcomes and patient experience.

“We stress that bariatric surgery is a tool to support weight loss for people who want to make lifestyle changes to optimize their health and wellness,” said Manieri. “We work with patients before and after surgery, and provide invaluable support so they can achieve their goals and maintain a healthy weight for the rest of their lives.”

Hyatt stresses that in light of the ever-changing landscape of healthcare and obesity management, it can be challenging to find the right treatment plan. Understanding that every patient is unique and that individualized care is crucial, Beebe’s team of care providers focuses on personalized treatment in line with each patient’s goals, while also providing education and support to optimize the patient experience.

“We understand that choosing a pathway to lose weight can be daunting, and we encourage patients to be involved in each step of their journey,” said Hyatt. “It’s not about how many surgeries we perform; instead, it’s about how well we do them. The designations we have earned from each major insurance carrier make it clear that our program is committed to providing our patients with superior care. We are incredibly proud of these achievements and what they represent.”