Manatee Memorial Earns Blue Distinction® Center Plus Designation for Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Stelios Rekkas, Medical Director of Manatee Memorial Hospital's Bariatric Program, and the team at Manatee Weight Loss

Manatee Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce that its Bariatric Program has been recognized as a Blue Distinction® Center Plus (BDC+) by Blue Cross and Blue Shield, recognizing the program's commitment to delivering high-quality bariatric care, strong patient outcomes and value.

The BDC+ designation recognizes bariatric programs that demonstrate a strong record of quality and patient safety, including low complication and readmission rates, excellent surgical outcomes and effective care delivery. The designation also considers the program's accreditation, experienced surgeons and clinical team, ongoing data collection and quality improvement efforts, as well as patient education and support.

In addition to demonstrating quality, Manatee Memorial Hospital's Bariatric Program demonstrated cost-efficiency compared with other programs nationwide, reflecting the program's efficient use of healthcare resources and lower overall cost of treatment while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

"We are extremely proud to have our Bariatric Program recognized with the Blue Distinction Center Plus designation," said Colin Weaver, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Manatee Memorial Hospital. "This recognition reflects the exceptional quality of care our bariatric team provides every day and reinforces our commitment to bringing quality, patient-centered care to the communities we serve. Our patients deserve access to experienced physicians, dedicated clinical teams and comprehensive support close to home."

Manatee Memorial Hospital's Bariatric Program has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center since 2017 for its commitment to quality. The BDC+ designation marks the first year the program has achieved enhanced recognition, further demonstrating its continued focus on quality, safety, outcomes and value.

For patients considering bariatric surgery, Manatee Memorial Hospital's program provides comprehensive care and ongoing support throughout the weight-loss journey, from surgical evaluation and preparation through recovery and long-term lifestyle changes.