Upstate's Bariatric Surgery Center earns top accreditation for quality of care

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Central New York Bariatric Surgery Center at Upstate Medical University has earned accreditation as a Level 1A by the American College of Surgeons' Bariatric Surgery Center Network.

Upstate's center received the highest accreditation level possible, Level 1A, signifying that the hospital's high volume practice can "manage the most challenging and complex patients." The ranking also acknowledges the level of services offered by the center and for its standard of care. Additionally, the center was recognized for its participation in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

"This recognition from the American College of Surgeons highlights the quality and competence of the center," said Howard Simon, M.D., director of the Central New York Bariatric Surgery Center at Upstate. "It's an acknowledgment of our commitment to our patients."

The accreditation follows a rigorous chart and document review and an on-site visit earlier this year by an ACS representative.

The center is on pace to perform more than 400 bariatric surgery procedures this year. Surgical options include laparoscopic adjustable gastric-banding and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce obesity, improve mortality and decrease the health risks from chronic diseases, such as cardiomyopathy and diabetes.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 2005 in an effort to extend established quality improvement practices to all disciplines of surgical care, the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program provides confirmation that a bariatric surgery center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality care for its bariatric surgery patients.

Accredited bariatric surgery centers provide not only the hospital resources necessary for optimal care of morbidly obese patients, but also the support and resources that are necessary to address the entire spectrum of care and needs of bariatric patients, from the prehospital phase through the postoperative care and treatment process.

The Central New York Bariatric Surgery Center at Upstate Medical University is located at 505 Irving Ave., Syracuse. For more information, call 315-464-9852 or go to: www.upstate.edu/surgery/healthcare/bariatric/