WVU Medicine Bariatrics earns national reaccreditation

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Bariatrics has been reaccredited as a comprehensive center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The accreditation demonstrates WVU Medicine’s commitment to delivering the highest quality care for its bariatric surgery patients.

MBSAQIP works to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of bariatric surgical centers. A bariatric surgical center achieves accreditation following a rigorous review process during which it proves that it can maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice. All accredited centers report their outcomes to the MBSAQIP database.

WVU Medicine Bariatrics offers a comprehensive, surgical weight loss program with a strong focus on pre-surgery education and post-operative success. Regular follow-up appointments and monthly support groups are designed to help patients succeed. The program offers a team approach to treating severe obesity and includes dietitians, clinical psychologists, physician assistants, and nurses who work with each patient before, during, and after the surgery to ensure patients receive the best care. In addition, WVU Medicine Bariatrics has access to healthcare experts who provide a complete range of specialty care and state-of-the-art imaging and scanning services.

“Obesity continues to be one of the major health issues that affects one third of all Americans and many West Virginians. Our recertification as a Center of Excellence emphasizes our dedication to providing the highest quality care for our patients,” WVU Medicine bariatric surgeon Nova Szoka, M.D., said. “In the next few years, our goal is to continue to grow the WVU Bariatrics program and help our patients improve their health and quality of life.”

According to the MBSAQIP, more than 11 million people suffer from severe obesity and an estimated 93 million people are obese. Obesity increases a person’s risk for diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery have experienced a reduction in obesity, improved mortality, and a decreased risk of chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

For more information on WVU Medicine Bariatrics, including information on free informational sessions, visit www.wvumedicine.org/bariatrics.