Genesis Center For Bariatric Surgery Named Center Of Excellence

D AVENPORT, Iowa – The Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery has been selected as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

The Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery and medical director Matthew Christophersen, M.D., FACS, were recognized for demonstrating a track record of favorable outcomes for bariatric surgery patients.

The Surgical Review Corporation establishes the rigorous standards with which the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery and Dr. Christophersen must comply.  Centers are thoroughly inspected and physicians are evaluated for designation and upon review, Surgical Review Corporation recommends approval of designation for those physicians and facilities whose practices and outcomes meet the stringent demands set forth.

The comprehensive review process included a site visit.

“Our comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to surgical weight loss has earned the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery an excellent reputation,’’ said Dr. Christophersen.  “This ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes our program for its safety and efficacy and for our history of helping individuals improve their health.’’

The Center of Excellence designation is the second of its kind in 2007 for the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery. The Genesis program was designated as a national Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield in January.

Since its inception in September 2003, the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery has performed more than 350 bariatric surgery procedures.  The comprehensive program offers patients a full range of bariatric surgical care services, including inpatient, post-operative care, follow-up and patient education.

The Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery is the only Quad Cities bariatric surgery program performing less-invasive laparoscopic Roux-en-Y procedures.  Dr. Christophersen performed the region’s first laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport in November 2004.

By receiving the ASMBS designation, the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery becomes an approved center for Medicare patients seeking the surgery.  Medicare coverage is provided for bariatric surgery only if the surgery is performed at a medical center designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery or a certified Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons.

Genesis has not been able to provide bariatric surgery for Medicare patients since February 2006 when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced its national coverage determination.

This fall, Genesis will offer another option for weight-loss surgery patients.  Surgeons Matthew Christophersen, M.D., Michael Phelps, M.D., FACS, and David Aanestad, M.D., will be performing “LAP-BAND® surgery at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport.

“LAP-BAND® is an alternative to gastric bypass that may be right for some weight-loss surgery patients, but is not right for others,’’ said Teresa Fraker, M.S., R.N. and Manager of the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery. “Adjustable gastric banding is a procedure is different than the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y procedure available at Genesis but some patients may either choose not to have the gastric bypass or may not be candidates for gastric bypass.  In those instances, LAP-BAND® will be available to them.’’

Patients of the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery attend introductory education classes, followed by consultations with the nursing staff, dietitian, psychologist, surgeon, physical therapist, pharmacist and recreational therapist.  Only patients who follow the pre-surgical requirements are scheduled for surgery.

For more information about bariatric surgery, contact the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery at (563) 421-8361.
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