Frye Regional Medical Center, in association with Drs. Leland Cook and Monty Cox, was recently recognized for meeting Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Carolina standards as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

The Bariatric Center of Excellence award program focuses on a clear commitment by the hospital to a bariatric program that includes the following:

4      A cross-functional hospital committee to coordinate bariatric care and assess results

4      Clear and thorough credentials/privileges criteria developed for bariatric surgery

4      Clinical pathways developed and implemented for bariatric surgery

4      Dedicated/focused staff and facilities for bariatric patients

4      A medical staff that provides a full spectrum of clinical specialists to support a bariatric surgery program.

4      Well designed and documented initial and ongoing medical and interpersonal training for staff working with bariatric patients

Over the next year, BCBS, will continue to work with Frye’s Surgical Weight Loss Program to improve the care and results delivered to BCBS members.  The main focus will be identifying and defining critical elements of bariatric surgery care and their impact on both the clinical and economic outcomes for patients and providers.

Frye Regional Medical Center offers a comprehensive program for those who are 100 or more pounds overweight or have a body mass index of 40 or greater and who have struggled unsuccessfully to lose weight. 

Frye’s program is implemented by a multidisciplinary medical team, consisting of surgeons, anesthesiologists, program coordinator, psychologists, exercise specialists, a dietitian, nursing staff, and support staff.  They work together to assess each patient's needs on an individual basis to help them achieve a healthier lifestyle.

          The Surgical Weight Loss Program at Frye Regional Medical Center offers continuous support to help each individual patient deal with the physical, emotional, and social problems that may have accompanied the severely overweight person. The patient is supported throughout the program with continued education and counseling before and after the procedure. Monthly support groups are also offered for peer support, with regularly scheduled guest speakers.

            For an assessment or more information about the Surgical Weight Loss Program at Frye Regional Medical Center, call (828) 315-3391 or toll free (800) 339-8758.