Shawnee Mission Health Bariatric Surgery Program Recognized for Quality Care by Two National Organizations

Shawnee Mission Health's Bariatric Surgery Program has earned two distinctions, including the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission and a designation as an Aetna Institute of Quality Bariatric Surgery Facility.

SMH's Bariatric Surgery Program demonstrates compliance with its performance, earning reaccreditation from The Joint Commission with its Gold Seal of Approval, a symbol of quality that reflects an organizations commitment to providing safe and effective care. SMH underwent a rigorous, unannounced on-site survey, which reviewed and evaluated compliance with office-based surgery standards related to several areas including: coordination of care, patient education and training, proper monitoring of patients during deep sedation and anesthesia procedures, and post-operative care plans.

In addition, SMH's Bariatric Surgery Program was recognized by Aetna as an Aetna Institute of Quality Bariatric Surgery Facility by making informed decisions in treating individuals living with morbid or extreme obesity. SMH was selected for consistently delivering evidence-based, safe care.

"We are pleased to receive both of these honorable and premier distinctions," said SMH Medical Director and Bariatric Surgeon Stanley Hoehn, MD. "We are proud of our bariatric team that continuously works to develop and implement approaches and strategies that provide a high standard of care for our patients."

SMH's Bariatric Surgery Program assists patients who are 100 pounds or more overweight in losing dangerous and sometimes life-threatening, extra pounds. SMH bariatric surgeons perform three types of weight-loss surgery for patients, including Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Gastric Banding.