Mercy Earns Blue Distinction Center Designation for Bariatric Surgery

Mercy Cedar Rapids has received a Blue Distinction^® Center+ (BDC+) designation for Bariatric Surgery by Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

This program identifies facilities with bariatric surgery programs that demonstrate expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes and are more cost-effective. The designation reflects the rigorous standards met by Mercy Medical Center in providing high-quality care, with an average of 21% fewer readmissions after bariatric surgery. Designated facilities also achieve cost savings of 23% compared to other facilities for that specialty care area.

Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications.

“We are proud to be the only bariatric surgery program in Cedar Rapids to receive the Blue Distinction Center+ designation and the only program accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program,” said Dr. Sajida Ahad, medical director, Mercy bariatric surgery program. “These recognitions reflect our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care and lasting outcomes for our patients.”

Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), as well as achievement of accreditation through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Additionally, facilities must:

• Have full accreditation from at least one national accrediting organization, either a hospital or ambulatory surgery center
• Have low complication, mortality and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days after bariatric surgery
• Participate in Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network

Since 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care at lower costs in the areas of bariatric surgery; cancer care; cardiac care; cellular immunotherapy; fertility care; knee and hip replacement; maternity care; spine surgery; substance use treatment; and recovery and transplants, while also encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the quality of care they deliver.