Mercy Medical Center Achieves Accreditation in Bariatric Surgery

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center has earned a Comprehensive Center Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, in partnership with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

To receive the three-year accreditation, inpatient and outpatient bariatric-surgery centers must undergo an independent, voluntary, and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric-surgery standards. Bariatric-surgery accreditation not only promotes uniform standard benchmarks, but also supports continuous quality improvement. The program recognizes facilities that implement defined standards of care, document outcomes, and participate in regular reviews to evaluate bariatric-surgery programs.

Mercy Medical Center offers two proven methods for weight management that can be tailored to the patient’s unique health needs and lifestyle. These approaches are nutrition and exercise to promote lifelong healthy habits, and weight-loss (bariatric) surgery. At Mercy, a bariatric surgeon oversees the patient’s care from the outset, regardless of whether bariatric surgery will be performed, ensuring a high level of expert, personalized attention.

“This accreditation is a positive reflection on Mercy’s team of healthcare professionals, underscoring the high level of commitment, safety, and quality care they provide to our patients every day,” said Dr. Simon Ahtaridis, vice president of Medical Affairs and chief medical officer at Mercy Medical Center.