January 17, 2007

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Recognizes Genesis Bariatric Program

DAVENPORT, Iowa – The Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery has been designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Care, which recognizes a select group of programs across the country that have met stringent standards of quality and patient outcomes.

In 2006, the only Iowa hospitals to receive Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Care from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield were the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City and Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.  No hospitals in the Quad Cities region have previously received the Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Care designation.

Since its inception in September 2003, the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery has performed 320 bariatric surgery procedures.  The comprehensive program offers patients a full-range of bariatric surgical care services, including inpatient, post-operative care, follow-up and patient education.

The Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery is the only Quad Cities bariatric surgery program performing less-invasive, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y procedures.  More than 180 patients have had the laparoscopic weight loss procedure through the Genesis program.

“This national designation is recognition of our program’s integrated approach and our history of patient safety,’’ said Teresa Fraker, Manager of the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery.  “The Blue Distinction Center designation affirms what we have known; that we are providing this life-changing surgery the right way.’’

Patients of the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery attend introductory education classes, followed by consultations with the nursing staff, dietitian, psychologist, surgeon, physical therapist, pharmacist and recreational therapist.  Only patients who adhere to pre-surgical education schedules are scheduled for surgery.

“I’ve always said that once you come in our door as a patient, you are our patient for life.  That is the approach of our program,’’ Fraker added.

The Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery, along with the Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care and for Transplants, are a key part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies’ effort to collaborate with doctors and hospitals so they can improve the quality and affordability of specialty care.

The goal of the Blue Distinction Centers is to give consumers the information they need about complex conditions, procedures and specialty care resources, empowering them to make more effective healthcare decisions.

When the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery took its first patients in 2003, the Roux-en-Y bypass method using an open approach was the only method available. Dr. Matthew C. Christophersen performed the region’s first laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport in November 2004.

Instead of performing the surgery through a large incision, the laparoscopic approach requires only five small incisions, or ports, for the insertion of instruments and a camera to guide the surgeon.

“The laparoscopic approach offers patients a number of benefits compared to the open method,’’ said Dr. Christophersen.  “Recovery time, discomfort and surgical wound complications are significantly reduced, and patients can return to normal, daily activities much faster.’’

For more information on the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery, call (563) 421-8361.

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