Organization Honored for Expertise, Comprehensive Bariatric Care
The ThedaCare Bariatric Surgery Program has again earned distinction as a center of excellence.
The distinction comes after the Clinical Sciences Institute (CSI) of Optum® formally recognized the bariatric program at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, in partnership with Surgical Associates of Neenah, S.C., as a Bariatric Center of Excellence (COE).
It’s indicative of the bariatric program’s dedication to maintaining its high levels of expertise while also remaining cost efficient in its delivery of specialized care, said Dr. Raymond Georgen, a General Surgeon and Co-Medical Director of the ThedaCare Bariatric Surgery Program.
“This latest acknowledgement of our bariatric program as a Center of Excellence helps spotlight our continued commitment to providing our patients and their families the high-quality, cost efficient care that they need and deserve,” Dr. Georgen said. “Our multidisciplinary team is extremely proud of this recognition and will continue to earn it on behalf of all those considering bariatric options to treat conditions related to obesity.”
The COE recognition can be a vital distinguishing factor for a bariatric program, he explained. That’s because many universal health coverages (UHCs) will only authorize bariatric surgery with a bariatric COE center and surgeons.
According to Optum, those recognized as COEs “perform more successful bariatric procedures than many other facilities nearby.” The Optum COEs also have fewer complications and readmissions and demonstrate:
- 15% lower mortality compared to non-COE providers
- 16% lower inpatient hospital readmission
- 12% lower reoperation rate for bariatric procedures
A Growing Health Concern
Obesity is an increasing health concern in the United States and Wisconsin. In the United States, more than two-thirds of adults are now overweight and one-third is obese, according to the National Library of Medicine. And in Wisconsin, an estimated 68% of adults are affected by excess weight, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said.
Obesity has been linked to more than 40 diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Experts explain that bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severely obese patients as it may help ease some obesity-related conditions.
Bariatric surgery is typically an option when diet and exercise alone haven’t worked for a person or when a person has serious health problems related to excess weight. Some weight-loss procedures limit how much a person can eat. Others work by reducing the body’s ability to absorb fat and calories. Some procedures do both.
People who may qualify for a bariatric procedure include those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, as well as people with a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one additional health condition, such as type 2 diabetes.
Some of the services provided by ThedaCare during bariatrics weight loss surgery include:
- Minimally invasive approach for bariatric procedures
- Nutritional education and guidance
- Professional exercise training
- Emotional support and counseling
- Help with insurance considerations
Weight Loss Expertise
The ThedaCare Bariatric Surgery Program offers a comprehensive approach to bariatric care.
“Our team is more than surgeons and nurses,” Dr. Georgen said. “People utilizing our bariatric surgery program are also supported by dietitians, exercise physiologists, navigators, care managers, behavioral health specialists and patient champions. It truly is a team effort, in partnership with our patients. It’s an approach that’s been designed to help better improve the coordination of care and the desired outcomes of each patient’s bariatric care experience.”
ThedaCare has been recognized as an accredited bariatric surgery center by the American College of Surgeon’s Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) since 2006.
Since 2020, the health system has led the way in robotic-assisted weight loss surgery. ThedaCare’s weight loss surgery procedures are performed robotically which can lead to better outcomes for patients.
To learn more, please visit ThedaCare’s Weight Loss Solutions.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including nine hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. In 2024, ThedaCare and Froedtert Health combined to form one system to strengthen local health care and provide high-quality services for treatment and prevention in a coordinated manner.