Chesapeake Regional Earns Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction for Weight Loss Surgery

CHESAPEAKE – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) recently named Chesapeake Regional’s bariatric surgery program a Blue Distinction Center and Blue Distinction Center+ (BDC/+), recognizing the program for not only its expertise, but also its efficiency in delivering patient care.

Earning the blue distinction allows Anthem members to choose highly-regarded programs for their health care needs. According to Anthem, blue distinction facilities are determined based on an evaluation of “the expertise of the medical team, the number of times the facility has performed the procedure and the facility’s track record for procedure results.” The status also evaluates the facility’s ability to meet cost measures that address patient’s needs for affordable health care.

“We are honored to meet Anthem’s criteria for the BDC/+, opening the doors to bariatric patients with BCBS insurance and emphasizing our commitment to excellent quality outcomes and care,” said Melissa Mounie, LPN, metabolic and bariatric program coordinator. “In addition to our reputation as a successful surgical weight loss program, this status aligns with our efforts to provide top-quality, affordable health care to those seeking the best in bariatric surgery.”

 According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the number of bariatric surgeries increased from 158,000 in 2011 to 179,000 in 2013. Outcomes from the procedure include evidence of reversing Type 2 diabetes, lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. BDC/+ programs provide “a full range of bariatric surgery care, including inpatient care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education.”

Chesapeake Regional’s Weight Loss Program has been named a Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons and offers a comprehensive range of pre- and post-operative education, support and outreach including a dedicated dietitian, support groups, certified bariatric nurses and specialized hospital care. The program is led by nationally recognized bariatric surgeons, Drs. Glen Moore and David Spencer, and by Mounie. Informational seminars are offered every month free of charge. For more information, contact Mounie at 757-312-3000 or Melissa.Mounie@chesapeakeregional.com.

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Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center is an independent, community-focused organization providing technologically advanced health care to the residents of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Its Sidney M. Oman Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care with the most advanced technology available, a radiosurgery services partnership with University of Virginia and Riverside Health System, and a fully dedicated Breast Center. It is home to a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, one of the busiest Emergency Department in Hampton Roads, and The BirthPlace, which delivers more babies than any other community hospital in the area. Chesapeake Regional’s cardiovascular program has been nationally ranked, and its weight loss and sleep centers are nationally accredited. With more than 600 physicians, Chesapeake Regional remains one of the busiest hospitals in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Website: www.chesapeakeregional.com.