Bariatric Center of Excellence Information
and Medicare Lap Band

Medicare Lap Band

As you might know, Medicare will only allow weight loss surgery to be performed by doctors and hospitals that have each been designated as a "Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence." We are proud to have been designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Suergery

Comprehensive Requirements of the
Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE)

The ASMBS BSCOE program’s objective requirements and evaluation processes were developed in conjunction with leading bariatric surgeons, hospital administrators, health plans, researchers and patient advocates. A commitment to long-term patient care and success necessitates that the requirements be comprehensive, research-based and verified through a rigorous site inspection. The BSCOE program recognizes that bariatric surgical care can be provided in two distinct settings: hospitals and freestanding outpatient facilities, which are also known as ambulatory surgery centers or surgicenters. Designation requirements reflect the specific care environments found in each type of facility. There are 10 requirements for bariatric programs based in hospitals:

Institutional Commitment to Excellence
Surgeon Dedication Sufficient Surgical Experience and Volumes
Designated Medical Director
Responsive Critical Care Support
Appropriate Equipment and Instruments
Clinical Pathways and Standardized Operating Procedures
Bariatric Nurses and Program Coordinator
Patient Support Groups
Long-Term Patient Follow-up, including participation in an international database

Not only is the Center of Excellence designation an indication of the overall program's commitment to high standards, it is also a requirement for patients with Medicare. Medicare will only pay for Lap Band surgery by surgeons and hospitals designated as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

Wadley Regional Medical Center is the affiliated hospital that is designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. Their website can be found at http://www.wadleyhealth.com/services/surgical-services/bariatric-surgery
Medicare has many requirements that must be fulfilled before a person can potentially qualify for Lap Band surgery. These requirements may take months to fulfill, and not all people will be eligible candidates. For further information on Medicare Lap Bands contact Wadley Regional Medical Center's Bariatic Coordinator, Pam Veuleman at 903-798-8872 or email her at PVeuleman@iasishealthcare.com

Testimonials

Maxcine has lost 89 pounds in a little over a year, and is still going strong! She used to take 15 medication pills per day, and is off of all of them. Way to go Maxcine!
We call Jeff "Mr Lap Band Oklahoma!" Jeff lost 130 pounds in the first year after Lap Band surgery. Here he is showing off with the belt he used to wear!
Kelli was just 19 years old when she had her Lap Band and lost over 170 pounds in the first year after surgery.
Amy has lost 78 pounds since surgery and has more energy and feels better than she did before!