SCOTTSDALE – Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, an accredited comprehensive bariatric facility through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, has earned Bariatric Institutes of Quality® (IOQ) designation from Aetna.

This is the fourth top designation for quality and value in bariatric surgery for the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program, based at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus. The program also holds Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Blue Distinction+, Optum Center of Excellence and Cigna 3 Star Quality designations for bariatric surgery.

As an MBSAQIP-accredited comprehensive bariatric facility, the hospital demonstrates that it provides the support and resources necessary to address the entire continuum of care for bariatric patients.

“The designations and accreditations that Abrazo Scottsdale Campus has received demonstrate that our bariatrics program provides quality care, clinical excellence and positive patient outcomes, while also recognizing the efficiency and value of our program,” said Daniel Fang, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Bariatric Medical Director at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus.

The Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program includes an interdisciplinary team of providers, including general and bariatric surgeons, an obesity medicine physician, physician assistants, registered nurses, registered dietitians and psychologists. The hospital offers sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and revision procedures.

Valley resident Natalie Lopez said that at her heaviest, she weighed 270 pounds, and the program helped in achieving her weight loss goals.

“The team at Abrazo Health was super supportive and encouraged me every step of the way. Before the surgery, they gave me a step-by-step plan. I met with the doctors and dietitians, who taught me the right way to eat, and I had weekly weigh-ins,” she said. “They are knowledgeable about weight loss surgery and great at what they do. They helped me accomplish my life goal. I continue to see the team today to keep myself accountable.”

“Patients can feel safe knowing that we have an entire team of experts with the knowledge, training and experience needed to provide excellent care,” said program manager Katy Stemple, MDA, RDN.

Stemple noted that successful medical and surgical weight loss has benefits, including:

• Remission or reversal of type 2 diabetes
• Improved mobility and increased energy
• Lowered risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke
• Reduced or eliminated joint pain
• Improved mood and feelings of well-being
• Increased self-esteem and confidence

“Our commitment to our patients begins with their initial consult with one of our surgeons and continues long after their procedure. We follow them for six years post-operatively to make sure they’re continuing to do well and that they’re meeting their weight loss goals. We also offer pre-operative classes and support groups to ensure our patients are supported every step of the way.”

Click here for more information on the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program.