By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Great Plains Health has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery, a designation awarded to hospitals and surgery centers that meet rigorous quality and safety standards for weight-loss procedures.
The recognition is part of the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program, which helps patients identify facilities that demonstrate expertise in procedures such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
According to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, facilities receiving the designation must participate in the insurer's BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization network and maintain accreditation through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), which establishes national standards for patient safety, quality and long-term outcomes.
"The Blue Distinction program gives members confidence that they are choosing facilities that have met rigorous, evidence-based standards for quality, safety and patient outcomes," said Dr. Amy Helwig, chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. "We congratulate Great Plains Health on earning this designation for bariatric surgery and commend its commitment to helping patients receive high-quality care as they take important steps toward improved health."
Great Plains Health's bariatric surgery program is led by Dr. Michael Simonson, who serves as the hospital's Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director, along with Dr. Jacob Wiesen.
"Earning the Blue Distinction Center designation reflects our team's continued commitment to providing safe, high-quality bariatric care," Simonson said. "Patients in our region can feel confident knowing they have access to an experienced bariatric surgery program that meets rigorous standards, all close to home."
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska says MBSAQIP-accredited Blue Distinction Centers have demonstrated improved patient outcomes compared with non-accredited facilities. The organization reports designated facilities experience fewer overall and life-threatening complications for common bariatric procedures.
Hospital officials said bariatric surgery is only one part of a patient's long-term health journey. Successful outcomes also rely on healthy lifestyle changes, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, behavioral support and ongoing collaboration with medical specialists.
Great Plains Health is a 116-bed regional medical center based in North Platte, serving patients across western and central Nebraska, northern Kansas and southern South Dakota.