BMC Weight-Loss Surgery Program Gets Dual Accreditation
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Weight Loss Surgery Program at Berkshire Medical Center, led by Dr. Andrew Lederman, a board-certified and fellowship trained surgeon, has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network and has been designated by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.Having achieved these national recognitions, the BMC program is now accepting Medicare patients in need of weight-loss surgery. Medicare coverage is limited to procedures performed in facilities certified by both associations.
The BMC program has been accredited as a Level I facility by the ACS BSCN, which signifies that it has met the essential criteria that ensure it is fully capable of supporting a bariatric surgery care program and that its institutional performance meets the requirements outlined. The ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program recognizes surgeons and facilities that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care.
"These significant national recognitions are evidence of the commitment that Dr. Lederman and our bariatric surgery team at BMC to providing the safest and highest quality care for our patients," said Diane Kelly, BMC chief operating officer. "Since our program began, we have helped many in our community to overcome the incredible challenges and health issues related to morbid obesity, and this program has transformed their lives. Dr. Lederman and his surgical staff can be rightfully proud of these achievements."
Created by the American College of Surgeons in 2005 in an effort to extend established quality improvement practices to all disciplines of surgical care, the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program provides confirmation that a bariatric surgery center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality care for its patients. Accredited centers provide not only the hospital resources necessary for optimal care, but also the support and resources necessary to address the entire spectrum of care and needs of bariatric patients, from the pre-hospital phase through the post-operative care and treatment process.
The ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program was started in 2004 to advance the safety, efficacy and efficiency of bariatric and metabolic surgical care. Surgical Review Corp. administers the program on behalf of the ASMBS. Truly excellent patient care is the result of both the individual surgeon and the facility at which the surgery is performed. The BSCOE designation is therefore awarded to both Lederman and Berkshire Medical Center, which enables patients to distinguish specific providers who have met the requirements for delivering high-quality perioperative and long-term follow-up care from those who have not.
The BMC program offers gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic band surgery using minimally invasive surgical techniques, and Lederman is also certified in the use of the da Vinci(r) Surgical System, a robotic-assisted surgical system that BMC also utilizes in urologic and gynecologic surgeries.
In the United States, more than 11 million people suffer from severe obesity, and the numbers are increasing. Obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, among other significant health risks. At the present time, weight loss surgery provides the only effective, lasting relief from severe obesity.
The BMC program holds a free monthly seminar in Pittsfield on weight loss surgery, and regularly holds periodic seminars in other sections of the area. To register for a seminar or for more information on the Weight Loss Surgery program at BMC, call 413-395-7510 or go to www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/WeightLossSurgery.
