These designations came after a rigorous review that examined safety, surgical outcomes, quality of care and overall performance, and highlight hospitals and bariatric surgery centers that meet specific performance standards and show consistently positive surgical results for patients.

The Bariatric Surgery Program was also named a Center of Excellence by United Resource Networks. This allows the 46 million individuals covered under United Resource Networks products, including United Healthcare insurance holders, access to the Arnot Health Bariatric Program.

According to a study released in July 2005 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of U.S. bariatric surgeries more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 – from 13,386 to 71,733. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications. We are recognized as a bariatric surgery center that performs well and continues to improve the quality and safety of care provided.

What does all this really mean? It means you are safer, and have a greater chance of a winning, positive outcome, because our physicians have a proven track record of success. And, having your weight loss surgery performed at a designated Center of Excellence can mean that Medicare and Medicaid will cover the cost of surgery.