FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 18, 2021
Saratoga Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program Recognized for Quality—Again
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., Jan. 18, 2021—Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program, a service of Saratoga Hospital, has once again been awarded the Blue Distinction Center designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
The designation, from BlueShield of Northeastern New York, is reserved for nationally accredited bariatric surgery programs that meet rigorous, objective standards for quality of care, patient safety and outcomes.
“Our Blue Distinction status is a source of pride for everyone on our team,” said Dmitri V. Baranov, MD, PhD, FACS, Medical Director of Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program. “Even more important is the message our Blue Distinction designation delivers to our patients—that they can count on us for the highest quality care and the best possible outcomes throughout their weight-loss journey.”
Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program has been a Blue Distinction Center since 2015. The program also is recognized as an Aetna Institute of Quality Bariatric Surgery Facility and is accredited as a “comprehensive” center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.
Because of its track record of patient safety and success, and its reputation for individualized compassionate care, Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program routinely draws patients from throughout the Capital Region, North Country, Western Massachusetts and Vermont.
Bariatric surgeries are among the most common elective surgeries in the U.S.—and the most effective treatment for severely obese patients. These procedures allow patients to achieve substantial, sustained weight loss. That, in turn, can improve or resolve serious obesity-related conditions, such type 2 diabetes.
Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that, compared to other healthcare facilities, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and outcomes.
For more information about the Blue Distinction program and a list of designated facilities, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.
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About Saratoga Hospital: Saratoga Hospital is the Saratoga region’s leading healthcare provider and the only acute-care facility in Saratoga County. The hospital’s multispecialty practice, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, provides care at more than 20 locations, ensuring easy access to programs and services that can have the greatest impact on individual and community health. Saratoga Hospital has maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence since 2004. The hospital is an affiliate of the Albany Med Health System, which also includes Albany Med, Columbia Memorial Health and Glens Falls Hospital. The region’s largest locally governed health system, it has 1,520 beds, more than 800 physicians and 125 outpatient locations. For more information: www.saratogahospital.org or www.facebook.com/SaratogaHospital.
About BlueShield of Northeastern New York: BlueShield of Northeastern New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1946, BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans, and stop loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that promote physical health, community health, and our region’s health. For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueShield News Center at bsneny.com/news or follow us on Twitter.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association: The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health IndexSM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.
About Blue Distinction Centers: Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for noncovered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Peter M. Hopper
Director, Marketing and Communications
518-583-8679
phopper@saratogahospital.org