The ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah Bariatric Program, in a partnership with Surgical Associates of Neenah, S.C., has been recognized as a nationally reaccredited program, meeting the highest standards for patient safety and quality.
The reaccreditation is issued by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The standards ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which can help support improved patient outcomes and long-term success. MBSAQIP-Accredited centers offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity.
“The reaccreditation demonstrates ThedaCare’s commitment to our patients and families through the Bariatric Program,” said Dr. Kevin Wasco, co-medical director of ThedaCare Bariatric Surgery Center. “Our bariatric team, which is comprised of surgeons, nurses, dieticians, exercise specialists, and behavioral health professionals, supports each person in all aspects of their journey – both physically and mentally. The comprehensive care can support positive outcomes for patients.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity and that number continues to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgery have been used to help treat conditions related to obesity.
To earn MBSAQIP Accreditation, the ThedaCare Bariatric Program met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifying opportunities for quality improvement.
“After applying for MBSAQIP Accreditation, centers undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who reviews the center’s structure, processes, and clinical outcomes data,” explained Dr. Wasco. “Centers that earn accreditation are awarded a specific designation level, depending on how many people are served each year, critical care capabilities, the types of procedures provided, and other measures.”
ThedaCare is one of 12 comprehensive bariatric surgery centers in Wisconsin, and has been an accredited center with the ACS since 2006. ThedaCare was one of the first hospitals in the state to receive the accreditation status.
The ThedaCare Bariatric Program coordinates care to help patients feel supported in all parts of weight loss. This means helping each person learn and establish nutrition, fitness and other lifestyle routines to stay on their personal journey.
Some of the services provided by ThedaCare during bariatrics weight loss surgery include:
- A team-based approach
- Care coordination
- Exercise and nutrition counseling
- Emotional support
Since 2020, weight loss surgery at ThedaCare has transitioned to fully robotic-assisted surgery. With robotic surgery, there is the potential for less pain for the patient. The advanced technology can also help recovery for patients and can potentially reduce the length of stay.
ThedaCare is also a national observation site for robotic bariatric surgery, one of 31 sites in the country. Most observation sites only train in general surgery, ThedaCare trains in both general surgery and bariatrics.
“It’s truly a learning destination where surgeons from around the country come to learn from some of the best surgeons,” said Dr. Wasco. “We’re proud to offer these services at ThedaCare. Our teams are here to empower each person to live their best lives through better health.”
To learn more about the ThedaCare Bariatrics Program, visit thedacare.org/services/weight-loss-surgery/ or call or call 920.720.7211.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest organization for metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the world, with more than 4,200 members. It is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The ASMBS is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about metabolic and bariatric surgery, including the associated risks and benefits, as a treatment option for obesity.
About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 600,000 residents in 17 counties and employs approximately 7,000 health care professionals. ThedaCare has 180 points of care, including eight 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 also partners with communities to understand needs, finding solutions together, and encouraging health awareness and action. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts about a patient’s care. 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.
For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media. Members of the media should call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
