American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Centers of Excellence Program

In 2003, in response to the public perception of dramatic variability in outcomes after bariatric surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) established a quality assurance initiative known as the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE). Previously, no minimal standards existed for hospitals or surgeons to perform bariatric surgery. ASMBS established an independent, nonprofit organization known as the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) to establish quality criteria for hospitals and surgeons as well as to evaluate, certify, and monitor individual hospitals and surgeons. The primary goal of the BSCOE is to allow patients, referring physicians, and health insurance carriers to identify hospitals and surgeons that are performing bariatric surgery at a high standard. The secondary goal is to ensure continued quality improvement in all qualifying BSCOE sites. To qualify as a BSCOE, surgeon practices and hospitals are required to submit documentation supporting the fact that they meet facility and practice standards. All sites must pass a rigorous onsite inspection in order to acquire final approval. In addition, all certified BSCOEs must collect and submit selected outcome data periodically for analysis. The following are the specific requirements for obtaining full approval as a BSCOE.