Center of Excellence

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The Bariatric Surgery Center Of Excellence (BSCOE)® program is the designation of choice for the bariatric surgical specialty. With participants in nearly all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, it is the only true national COE program. It is also the country’s strongest program, with participation from nearly 70% of all hospitals that perform more than 10 bariatric cases each year. Many of the country’s top bariatric programs – from metropolitan and rural community hospitals, academic institutions and freestanding outpatient facilities – have chosen to participate in the BSCOE program.

What is a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE) ® and what does that mean to me?
A program’s designation publically honors it as being the best of the best. In becoming a BSCOE, the program has held itself up to some of the highest standards in the industry. The designation is indicative of the Center’s comprehensive commitment to a high level of bariatric care.

Some insurance plans require a hospital to be a BSCOE or they will not cover the benefits for the surgery. Now patients with Medicare, Medicaid, UPMC Health Plan, and many other insurance plans can have their surgery at Windber Medical Center by Dr. Kim R. Marley.

Many studies have shown that surgery performed in a BSCOE is safer and more effective. All BSCOE sites must report results to a certified data base and must maintain clinical pathways and procedure volumes that have been shown to improve results. By offering comprehensive services to all its patients, performing data tracking and analysis our program is promoting safety and provides the patient support to enhance your success.