The ThedaCare Bariatric Surgery Program has once again been recognized as a center of excellence. This recognition was granted by the Clinical Sciences Institute (CSI) of Optum, acknowledging the program at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah in partnership with Surgical Associates of Neenah, S.C.
Dr. Raymond Georgen, a General Surgeon and Co-Medical Director of the ThedaCare Bariatric Surgery Program, emphasized the significance of this acknowledgment. “This latest acknowledgement of our bariatric program as a Center of Excellence helps spotlight our continued commitment to providing our patients and their families the high-quality, cost-efficient care that they need and deserve,” he said. He also noted that many universal health coverages will only authorize bariatric surgery with a bariatric COE center and surgeons.
Optum states that centers recognized as COEs perform more successful bariatric procedures than many other facilities nearby. They also report fewer complications and readmissions, along with 15% lower mortality compared to non-COE providers, 16% lower inpatient hospital readmission rates, and a 12% lower reoperation rate for bariatric procedures.
Obesity is an increasing concern in both the United States and Wisconsin. According to the National Library of Medicine, over two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight, with one-third being obese. In Wisconsin, about 68% of adults are affected by excess weight, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Bariatric surgery is considered an effective treatment for severely obese patients when diet and exercise have not worked or when serious health problems related to excess weight exist. It can help ease conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
ThedaCare provides several services during bariatrics weight loss surgery including minimally invasive procedures, nutritional education and guidance, professional exercise training, emotional support and counseling, and assistance with insurance considerations.
“Our team is more than surgeons and nurses,” Dr. Georgen stated. “People utilizing our bariatric surgery program are also supported by dietitians, exercise physiologists, navigators, care managers, behavioral health specialists and patient champions.”
ThedaCare has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program since 2006. Since 2020, they have led in robotic-assisted weight loss surgery which may lead to better outcomes for patients.
