North Colorado Medical Center Renewed as National Bariatric Center of Excellence
GREELEY, CO (Sept. 25, 2009)—North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) announced today they have received renewal designation as a “Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence” by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Surgical Review Corporation. NCMC, a Banner Health facility, and Michael Johnell, MD, received the designation after a thorough, detailed examination of the bariatric program components and outcomes, including an on-site survey by medical professionals.
“We are extremely excited and proud about this continued designation for an additional three-year period,” said Rick Sutton, chief executive officer of NCMC. “Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence is an important designation. It allows patients to know that we have a program that has demonstrated a track record of favorable outcomes. We are honored that our bariatric program is among the finest, and our surgeon, Dr. Michael Johnell, and the clinic staff are acknowledged for their commitment to quality and their patients.”
The bariatric surgery program at NCMC offers the latest techniques in bariatric surgery, specializing in the adjustable gastric banding procedure using LAP-BAND® and REALIZE™ bands. Ninety-nine percent of all cases are performed using a laparoscopic approach. Patients receive comprehensive care including an initial informational seminar, pre-surgery evaluation, education and behavioral support, and extensive post surgery follow up care and life-style support. Dr. Michael Johnell began offering bariatric surgery at NCMC in June 2001. He has performed more than 1,500 bariatric surgery operations, including the gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding procedures.
“This renewal designation requires demonstration of excellence in all aspects of the clinical practice of bariatric surgery,” said Michael Johnell, MD, NCMC Bariatric Surgeon. “It reassures patients that we have a well-established program dedicated to providing the highest quality care, the most highly skilled providers, appropriate equipment for this patient population and support of successful weight loss outcomes.”
Obesity is considered a serious medical problem in America and is of great concern in the medical community. Overall, 26.1 percent of U.S. adults were obese in 2008, compared to 25.6 percent in 2007, according to a CDC news release.
Of even greater concern, more than 23 million Americans are considered “morbidly obese,” which means that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, exceeding their ideal body weight by at least 100 pounds. One third of these are considered “super obese.”
It is well documented that the cost of this life-threatening condition can be chronic, disabling diseases including diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary compromise. These diseases as well as other disorders such as hyperlipidemia, asthma and infertility can be corrected by the rapid, permanent weight loss caused by the surgery and lifestyle changes prompted by the continuing medical support offered by designated ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence.
Bariatric surgery is a safe, but complex and challenging undertaking. Many patients are considered high surgical risks because of other serious medical conditions in addition to excessive weight. The psychosocial challenges require highly competent compassionate support after the surgery. Furniture, hospital equipment, instruments and imaging resources also must be suitable to deal with patients who can exceed their ideal body weight by 400 pounds.
More information about the bariatric surgery program at NCMC
About North Colorado Medical Center
North Colorado Medical Center is a fully accredited, private, not-for-profit facility licensed to operate 326 beds. It serves as a regional medical center with community-based and specialty services in a service area including southern Wyoming, western Nebraska, western Kansas, and northeastern Colorado. A family-centered obstetrics unit, cardiac, ortho/neuro, Level II trauma, cardiac surgery, burn/wound care, and acute rehab are among the many services offered through the medical center. Nearly 400,000 square feet of new patient care space will be available to the northern Colorado region when the NCMC opens an expanded facility in December 2005. Included will be the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado featuring state-of-the-art heart services; expanded birthing center and neonatal care unit and new surgical suites.
About Banner Health
Based in Phoenix, Banner Health is one of the largest, not-for-profit health care systems in the country. Banner has 22 facilities that offer an array of services including hospital care, home care, hospice care, nursing registries, surgery centers, laboratories, rehabilitation services. These facilities are located in seven states - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. In addition to emergency and medical services, Banner Health medical centers house a variety of specialized services, including heart care, cancer treatment, delivery of high-order multiple births, organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, rehabilitation services, and behavioral health services.
Contact:
North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Public Relations Director
Gene Haffner
(970) 350-6133
