Surgical Accreditation for Bariatric Services

Bariatric surgery is an option for patients struggling with weight loss.

For patients of this demographic, Northern Nevada Medical Center (NNMC) is recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), for its ability to meet the national standards for surgical treatment and post-hospital care. Jenna Thompson, RN, BSN, CMSRN, Director of Nursing, Northern Nevada Medical Center, explains the importance of accreditation and the resources and support for patients following bariatric surgery.

Why is a bariatric accreditation important?

Bariatric accreditation was awarded to NNMC by the MBSAQIP®, a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), for meeting the highest standards for bariatric patient safety and quality.

This accreditation recognizes the facility’s commitment to providing patients seeking bariatric surgery with teams that are trained to meet national standards for the care needed. There is a heightened focus on every department involved before, during and after surgery to ensure patients have a sense of safety and confidence in the care received.

What metrics were required to receive this award?

Accreditation criteria include appropriate staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways to help ensure its ability to support patients, and an approved site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon. NNMC was required to provide detailed information and data about the quantity and quality of the bariatric procedures to show their competency as high performing in this area of surgery.

How does NNMC provide bariatric patients with resources and support after having bariatric surgery?

Patients receive frequent check-ins with their surgical team for years after a surgical procedure to ensure no complications or questions arise. If at any point a patient does notice changes to their health or symptoms related to the procedure, they are advised to contact their surgeon’s office to learn more.

While bariatric surgery is beneficial to jumpstart a patient’s weight loss, the patient must make the commitment to a healthy lifestyle to maintain their results. As the surgery is a lifelong commitment, NNMC patients are offered access to a monthly support group where they can connect with other patients going through the same experience.

Learn more about the bariatric support group