Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute has been recognized as a “Blue Distinction Center” by Blue Cross Blue Shield. The designation is awarded to medical centers that provide high-quality patient care and demonstrate positive outcomes, such as fewer complications and readmissions after surgery.
The Blue Distinction Centers program evaluates specialty programs across the country based on criteria including treatment expertise, quality of care, and patient results. For bariatric surgery, this includes comprehensive services like surgical care, post-operative support, outpatient follow-up, and patient education. Institutions must also show lower rates of complications and hospital readmissions for patients undergoing bariatric procedures.
Dr. Alex Barkan, vice chair of surgery at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) and director of its Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, said the recognition adds to the institute’s list of recent achievements. Last year, the institute was reaccredited as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent and Obesity Medicine Qualifications as well as a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. It also received a new designation: Center of Excellence in Obesity Medicine from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), which is run by the American College of Surgeons together with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
“This Blue Cross Blue Shield designation is another feather in our cap,” said Alex Barkan, MD. “Not only are we a MBSAQIP with the American College of Surgeons, we are now also recognized by individual insurance companies, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, as their preferred center to refer patients who are seeking experienced and effective bariatric care close to home.”
Since opening in 2018, RUMC’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute has performed over 600 weight loss surgeries including sleeve-gastrostomy and gastric bypass procedures. The institute offers both surgical options as well as support groups for patients recovering from obesity-related surgeries.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 93 million adults nationwide have obesity—a figure that continues to rise each year (https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html). Obesity increases risks for conditions such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, among others. Studies have shown metabolic or bariatric surgery can help reduce these associated health problems (https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/basics/index.html).
On Staten Island specifically—where RUMC operates—the proportion of adults living with obesity increased between 2015-2019; although below national levels overall it remains one of New York City’s highest rates behind only the Bronx (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/epi-data-brief-116.pdf). Youth obesity on Staten Island has also risen since 2013; in 2019 it slightly exceeded New York City’s average at 14.3% compared to 13.8%.
RUMC provides medical services to Staten Island’s diverse community through emergency care, acute treatment services, primary care programs as well as behavioral health offerings.
For more information about RUMC’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute or its weight loss services call 718-818-4020 or visit offices at 1161 Victory Boulevard.
