Mortality Rates Significantly Less At Accredited Bariatric Centers

A new study from the journal Surgical Endoscopy, found that non-accredited bariatric centers had an in-hospital mortality rate that was more than three times higher than accredited centers (0.22% vs. 0.06%, respectively) with similar volume. This study comes after Medicare considers the discontinuation of Certification in Bariatric Surgery Facilities.

There have been other studies, such as a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS) last year, that supports the new Surgical Endoscopy study showing almost identical differences in mortality between non- accredited and accredited academic bariatric centers (0.21% vs. 0.06%, respectively).

In 2006, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
decided to require certification for facilities that perform bariatric surgery on Medicare patients. The ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) will submit the new study on accreditation along with other studies for CMS to review. CMS will have a final ruling expected by September 25, 2013.