University of Iowa News Release: September 19, 2006

UI Receives Bariatric Surgery Distinctions

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa named University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as a Blue Distinction Center^SM for Bariatric (weight loss) Surgery.

Blue Distinction is a nationwide program that creates an unprecedented level of healthcare transparency for consumers and providers. Driven by quality, collaboration and affordability, Blue Distinction strengthens consumer engagement and provider partnerships through new specialty centers that offer the best practices and standards of care in bariatric surgery, cardiac care and transplant services.  

“University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has a long history of excellence in bariatric surgery. In fact, UI Hospitals and Clinics is the birthplace of bariatric surgery as the first gastric bypass for severe obesity was conceived and performed here by Edward E. Mason, MD, in 1967,” said Isaac Samuel, MD, director of UI Obesity Surgery. “We currently perform a state-of-the-art laparoscopic approach to gastric bypass with excellent outcomes, showing that this complex procedure can be performed safely at specialized centers. We are very pleased to receive this national distinction, and I thank all the individuals involved for contributing to this success.”

The process used to select Blue Distinction Centers^SM is based on clinical data supplied by hospitals. Each facility’s structure, processes and care outcomes are rigorously evaluated. The criteria for designation include nationally endorsed quality measures, developed in collaboration with medical experts and professional organizations.

The criteria for becoming a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery^SM include:

• Full-service, accredited inpatient hospital facility;
• Program must be performing bariatric surgery for the most recent 18- to 24-month period and must perform a required volume of bariatric surgical cases;
• Experience and credentialing of the bariatric surgical team;
• Ongoing quality management and improvement programs;
• Appropriate equipment and staffing; and
• Patient care and follow-up care including evaluation of bariatric surgery complication and mortality rates.