The Maryland Bariatric Center Named Blue Distinction Center by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, has been recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery, a designation that signifies a demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality, safe and effective weight-loss surgery.

Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery are recognized by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association for meeting nationally established, objective quality measures. These measures review patient outcomes, safety standards and program structure, emphasizing reduction in complications and improving long-term health outcomes for people undergoing bariatric surgery.

"This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team, and to our ongoing commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care," said Dr. David N. Maine, president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center. "For individuals considering bariatric surgery, this distinction underscores our promise to provide safe, high-quality care along with the guidance and support they need at every step of their journey."

To earn the Blue Distinction designation, The Maryland Bariatric Center program met comprehensive quality criteria, including national accreditation and participation in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), demonstrated performance on risk-adjusted patient outcomes, use of evidence-based practices and continuous quality improvement processes, and multidisciplinary care teams focused on long-term patient success and safety.

"Our bariatrics team is committed to helping patients achieve real, lasting results, and this recognition is a reflection of that commitment," said Kuldeep Singh, M.D., FACS, MBA, FASMBS, a top weight loss surgeon in Maryland and Director of The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy. "Every day, we work closely with patients before, during, and after surgery to support them in reaching their health goals safely and successfully."

Patient outcomes are evaluated using nationally reported data and evidence-based measures to ensure bariatric surgery programs meet or exceed expectations for quality and safety. Only facilities that satisfy these measures are chosen for Blue Distinction recognition.

The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy provides life-changing weight loss options to help restore patients to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Led by Dr. Singh, a Baltimore magazine "Top Doctor" in Bariatric Surgery, The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy is well known in the Baltimore area for providing expertise in weight loss surgery and medical weight loss, surgical techniques and ongoing support designed to care for the body, mind and spirit.