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Choosing a Hospital for Bariatric Surgery

As interest has increased in bariatric surgery to treat obesity, the medical community has looked more closely at the factors that can predict positive outcomes. In particular, the education and training of the surgeon performing bariatric surgery (e.g., board certified surgeon) and the characteristics of a hospital (e.g., ability to accommodate obese patients, specially trained anesthesia staff) have been found to influence patient outcomes. Recognizing this emerging consensus, we asked various hospitals in Maryland and surrounding areas to respond to a Request for Information for Centers for Bariatric Surgery. In designating Centers for Bariatric Surgery, we looked at quality measures such as volume, specialized equipment and staff, average length of stay and complication rates, and the education and training of bariatric surgeons. Based on this information, we have identified the following Centers for Bariatric Surgery:

If you are considering bariatric surgery to help you lose weight, and your doctor has recommended this procedure as a medically appropriate tool, we encourage you to ask your doctor to refer you to one of these Centers.

If we do not have a Center in your area, talk to your doctor about the hospitals available to you. Be sure to ask if the hospital has a staff specifically trained in bariatric surgery. Remember, the more often bariatric surgery is done at the hospital, the more likely the result will be positive.

To verify that you have health care coverage for bariatric surgery, please call our Member Services Department at the telephone number on your health plan identification card.

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