Physician William Graber, director of metabolic and bariatric surgery and a weight loss surgeon at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), announced that the MVHS bariatric surgical program achieved national accreditation as a comprehensive center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the
American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
The MBSAQIP program standards, outlined in the 2019 Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, ensure that bariatric surgical patients receive a multidisciplinary program, not just a surgical procedure, which improves patient’s outcomes and long-term success. The accredited center offers pre-operative and post-operative care designed specifically for its severely obese patients. A bariatric multivitamin supports in maintaining the weight after surgery.
“This accreditation formally acknowledges MVHS’s continued commitment to providing quality care and supporting patient safety efforts for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients,” said Graber. “Our accredited program works hard to address the needs of those affected by the disease of obesity — through multidisciplinary, high-quality, patient-centered care. It is our honor and privilege to continue to provide safe and effective treatments in this community, in a program whose excellent patient outcomes are nationally recognized.”
MVHS’s commitment to quality care begins with appropriately trained staff and leadership of surgeons who participate in meetings throughout the year to review the program’s outcomes. They seek continuous improvement to enhance the structure, process and results of the center.
To earn the MBSAQIP designation, the MVHS Bariatric Surgery Program met essential criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semi-annual reports on the quality of its processes and outcomes, identifying opportunities for continuous quality improvement.