Baptist Center for Bariatric Surgery Receives Accreditation The Baptist Center for Bariatric Surgery is now accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The accreditation means the center has
Stephen Hodgett, MD, FACS
met stringent standards for quality and safety. Requirements include performing at least 125 surgeries in a calendar year, having a dedicated medical director, offering support groups, and providing long-term follow-up to ensure patients are staying on the right track for a healthy lifestyle.
The board-certified general surgeons Craig Morgenthal, MD, practicing at the Baptist FACS Center for Bariatric Surgery are Craig Morgenthal, MD, FACS, medical director, and Stephen Hodgett, MD, FACS. “We’re treating the weight, but most importantly, we’re treating the medical problems people have or will have if they don’t address their obesity,” said Dr. Morgenthal.
14 CareConnection
M
Many patients who have a bariatric surgery at Baptist are able to stop taking or reduce their dose of medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol once their weight is in check, according to Dr. Morgenthal. When a person is considering bariatric surgery at Baptist Health, the patient has a one-on-one meeting with a counselor to discuss weight and other health issues. In some cases, a concerted effort on a healthy diet and an exercise plan can alleviate the need for surgery. Other patients, with input from Baptist Health surgeons and counselors, opt for one of three weight loss surgical procedures. The accreditation also reflects Baptist Health’s commitment to being open and attentive to patients and family members of patients who are obese and may need special accommodations. For example, the hospital invested more than $25,000 in special furniture in common areas and in patient rooms, including chairs that support patients who are up to 500 pounds and do not have arms on the sides. “We are focused on providing high-quality, compassionate care to residents of Northeast Florida, and giving them the tools to take control of their own health,” says Baptist Jacksonville Hospital President Michael Mayo. “We are honored to receive this recognition of our quality standards and are looking forward to providing this life-altering procedure to people who may not have been able to receive it before.”