Here I thought I extensively researched this surgery and the best doctors in my city. But I keep reading in posts about “centers of excellence” and I have no idea what that is!!! How do I know if my hospital is one? Or if my surgeon is affiliated with one? Oh dear, I hope I have chosen a reputable place!

So it really depends on your insurance. I picked a center close to my home that was a COE however my insurance made me enroll with Optum BRS program and they have a set list of COE. Of course the center I picked was not on their list. The only one on their list in OK is 2 hours drive away from me. It sucks.

The surgery centers website should tell you if it’s a COE or research with your insurance. They can provide a list.

A center of excellence (CoE) is a team, a shared facility or an entity that provides leadership, best practices, research, support and/or training for a focus area.

You would want to choose a COE whether your insurance requires or not IMHO

COE stands for Center of Excellence. Hospitals have to go through a rigorous reporting process and inspection to become a COE certified hospital. Along with having certain types of equipment geared towards the bariatric patient, they also have to maintain minimum number bariatric cases per year in order to maintain their standing.

Hospitals that are accredited Bariatric Centers of Excellence are required to maintain a minimum of 140 bariatric procedures per year. Currently, in the United States there are two institutions that inspect facilities, collect data, and accredit hospitals with the Bariatric Center of Excellence designation.

• The American Society of Metabolic Surgeons (ASMBS) and…
• The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC)

While these institutions have slightly different requirements, the intent is the same. Their accreditation signifies a level of excellence in the field of bariatric medicine.

Here are a few more reasons to choose COE

Another important feature of an accredited Center of Excellence is the training that is required. Below are a few of the required training courses that the hospital’s staff are required to take.

• Obesity Sensitivity Training
• Proper Moving of an Obese Patient
• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of bariatric surgery complications
• Post-op care of the bariatric patient
• Bariatric surgery post-op nutrition

For these reasons its a good idea to have your surgery done at a COE even if your insurance doesn’t require it.

Thank you so much for all this info! I knew my doctor had a laundry list of certifications, accreditation, and fellowships. But I wasn't sure if the hospital was a CoE. I now see that it is. In fact, my doctor performs surgery only at CoEs apparently. Wow, I feel even more confident going forward with this surgery.