Bariatric and Metabolic Institute Earns Reaccredidation as Center of Excellence in Obesity Medicine

Institute now has earned ACS/ASMBS accreditation for six consecutive years

Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute has 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 (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

“These reaccreditations formally acknowledge our commitment to providing high quality, multidisciplinary, patient-centered care to metabolic and bariatric surgery patients, while supporting continuous quality improvement and patient safety efforts,” Dr. Alex Barkan said. Dr. Barkan is RUMC’s metabolic and bariatric surgery director, obesity medicine director, and director of the Institute, which he founded in 2018. “In order to earn this accreditation, we underwent an independent, voluntary and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized standards provided by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.”

The MBSAQIP standards ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. MBSAQIP-Accredited centers, like RUMC’s Institute, offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity. To earn MBSAQIP reaccreditation, the Institute met criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifying opportunities for quality improvement. The Institute underwent an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who reviewed the Institute’s structure, processes, and clinical outcomes data. 

“These national recognitions certify our commitment to the outstanding care of our patients and our dedication to providing the best option for each patient through a variety of treatment approaches including surgery, nutrition, exercise, behavior changes, and medications,” Dr. Barkan continued.

The Institute’s adolescent reaccreditation confirms that services provided to patients under the age of 18 are meeting the quality and safety measures established by the MBSAQIP program. “This additional accreditation ensures our adolescent patients are receiving multidisciplinary care guided specifically to this population, including a pediatric medical advisor and a pediatric behavioral health specialist,” Dr. Barkan said.

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, over 2,000 patients have been assisted through the Institute. Dr. Barkan and his team have performed over 500 weight loss surgeries and surgical patients of the Institute have lost a combined total of more than 22,000 pounds.

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 4434 Amboy Road and at 1161 Victory Boulevard in the lower level of the Dr. Krishne Urs Medical Pavilion. 

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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.