Help me understand this....

If a doctor has his/her own practice but performs the actual surgery in a hospital, can he/she be considered a "center of excellence"? Or is it the hospital that would be considered a "center of excellence"?

I am not sure that doing surgery at their own facility is a requirement in order to be a COE. The Surgical Review Corporation reviews bariatric surgeons on quality, their programs, standards and sucesses with patients.

All of the important things involved in success with lap band are handled by your surgeon--preparing you for surgery, educating you on how it works, placing the band properly, handling recovery and lifelong maintenance.

Edited June 30, 200818 yr by Jodi_620

Help me understand this....

If a doctor has his/her own practice but performs the actual surgery in a hospital, can he/she be considered a "center of excellence"? Or is it the hospital that would be considered a "center of excellence"?

I hope I can answer some of your questions. The COE designation is not really for the physician per se, but more for the hospital's SWL program itself.The surgeon typically functions as a medical director. There are many standards to maintain- alot of reporting to maintain your designation. Some of the standards include a required certain number of procedures, pre-op and post-op care, education, outcome monitoring, things like that. My surgeon and SWL center actually share office space and it is located in the campus of the hospital. the SWL center is run by the hospital and the staff are hospital employees- the surgeon's office and staff are a separate entity though in the same physical location. Hope this answers some of your questions.

Edited July 3, 200818 yr by cookienay

Actually the SRC reviews both the hospital and the doctor's office. Either can pass, either can fail, or one can pass and the other fail. SRC issues a Certificate of Excellence to the hospital, the physician, and the physician's practice. So I have two COE certificates, one for my name and one for my practice's name.

Trace W. Curry, M.D.

Medical Director

Center for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio

Lap Band Surgery Ohio :: Lap Band Doctor Trace W. Curry, M.D. Lap Band, Realize Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass Surgeon :: FAQ's :: Nutrition

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DISCLAIMER: Any information contained within is meant to be general medical advice only. Please consult your surgeon on your specific problem!

My doctor and the hospital he does it at are both center of excellence. So I am not sure.