Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, an accredited comprehensive bariatric facility through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, has earned Bariatric Institutes of Quality® (IOQ) designation from Aetna.

Facilities may be selected to participate in the Aetna Institutes of Quality (IOQ) Bariatric Surgery network by meeting certain measures of clinical quality, cost efficiency and access for bariatric (weight loss) services.

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This is the fourth top designation for quality and value in bariatric surgery for the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program, based at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus. The program also holds Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Blue Distinction+, Optum Center of Excellence and Cigna 3 Star Quality designations for bariatric surgery.

As an MBSAQIP-accredited comprehensive bariatric facility, the hospital demonstrates that it provides the support and resources necessary to address the entire continuum of care for bariatric patients.

“The designations and accreditations that Abrazo Scottsdale Campus has received demonstrate that our bariatrics program provides quality care, clinical excellence and positive patient outcomes, while also recognizing the efficiency and value of our program,” said Daniel Fang, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Bariatric Medical Director at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus.

The Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program includes an interdisciplinary team of providers, including board-certified general and bariatric surgeons, an obesity medicine physician, physician assistants, registered nurses, registered dietitians and psychologists. The hospital’s bariatric surgery program offers all surgery types: sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and revision procedures.

Katy Stemple, MDA, RDN, manager of the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program, said weight-loss surgery has benefits well beyond weight loss, including:

• Long-term remission or reversal of type 2 diabetes

• Improved mobility and increased energy

• Lowered risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke

• Reduced or eliminated joint pain

• Improved mood and feelings of well-being

• Increased self-esteem and confidence

“Our patients can feel safe knowing that we have an entire team of experts with the knowledge, training and experience needed to provide excellent care,” said Stemple. “Our commitment to our patients begins with their initial consult with one of our surgeons and continues long after their procedure. We follow them for six years post-operatively to make sure they’re continuing to do well and that they’re meeting their weight loss goals. We also offer pre-operative classes and support groups to ensure our patients are supported every step of the way.”

“The prestigious designations we have received from the four health insurance plans are a further independent affirmation of the quality outcomes we deliver,” added Dr. Fang.

For more information about the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, call 602-246-5569 or visit www.abrazohealth.com/services/bariatric-surgery.