Dr. Alex Barkan, RUMC’s vice chair of surgery, metabolic and bariatric surgery director, obesity medicine director, and founder/director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
RUMC’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute named a “Blue Distinction Center” by Blue Cross Blue Shield for high quality patient care and results.
Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute has earned the title of “Blue Distinction Center” by Blue Cross Blue Shield for consistently providing high-quality patient care and results leading to fewer complications and readmissions.
Blue Distinction Centers are determined by a panel of reviewers and awarded to specialty programs that demonstrate quality care, treatment expertise and better overall patient results. For bariatric, or weight loss, surgery, institutions must demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to care across the full range of bariatric services, including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up, and patient education. In addition, they most also have a history of lower complications from surgery and fewer readmission of patients following bariatric surgery.
This designation is just the latest for RUMC’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. Last year, the Institute earned reaccreditation as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent and Obesity Medicine Qualifications, as well as a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. To compliment these reaccreditations, the Institute also earned a new designation: Center of Excellence in Obesity Medicine. These national designations were awarded through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
“This Blue Cross Blue Shield designation is another feather in our cap,” said Alex Barkan, MD. “Not only are we a MBSAQIP with the American College of Surgeons, we are now also recognized by individual insurance companies, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, as their preferred center to refer patients who are seeking experienced and effective bariatric care close to home.” Dr. Barkan is RUMC’s vice chair of surgery, metabolic and bariatric surgery director, obesity medicine director, and founder/director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
Established in 2018, RUMC’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute provides a diverse range of surgical and support services, including sleeve-gastrostomy and gastric bypass, all provided by a highly trained and experienced medical staff. Post-surgery, the Institute offers support groups to help ease the surgical recovery process by connecting patients with others who have shared similar experiences with obesity and bariatric procedures. Since opening, Dr. Barkan and his team have performed over 600 weight loss surgeries at RUMC.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity and that number continues to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of comorbid conditions related to obesity.
According to the CDC, the proportion of Staten Island adults with obesity increased from 2015 to 2019. While lower than the national average, Staten Island has the second highest obese adult population in New York City behind the Bronx. Obesity among Staten Island youth also increased from 2013 and as of 2019, the proportion of Staten Island youth considered to be obese slightly exceeds the New York City average (14.3% vs. 13.8%).
RUMC’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute can be contacted at 718-818-4020 and has offices at 1161 Victory Boulevard on the lower level of the Dr. Krishne Urs Medical Pavilion.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
