Mercy Cedar Rapids has received a Blue Distinction Center+ designation for bariatric surgery from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield as part of the insurer’s Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
The designation identifies facilities with bariatric surgery programs that demonstrate expertise in patient safety, better health outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Designated facilities average 21% fewer readmissions after bariatric surgery and achieve cost savings of 23% compared to non-designated facilities.
Mercy Medical Center is the only bariatric surgery program in Cedar Rapids to hold the Blue Distinction Center+ designation and the only program in the city accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, according to the release.
“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 of the Mercy bariatric surgery program. “These recognitions reflect our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care and lasting outcomes for our patients.”
Quality assessments for the designation are based on objective measures developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, along with MBSAQIP accreditation. Qualifying facilities must also hold full accreditation from at least one national accrediting organization, maintain low complication, mortality and unplanned readmission rates within 90 days of bariatric surgery, and participate in Wellmark’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization network.
The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has operated since 2005, covering specialty areas including bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants.
Mercy Cedar Rapids is a Catholic healthcare system that operates Mercy Medical Center, a 424-licensed-bed hospital in downtown Cedar Rapids, along with a network of specialty and primary care clinics throughout the region. The system was founded in 1900 by the Sisters of Mercy.
