Great Plains Health Earns National Bariatric Surgery Accreditation
Great Plains Health has earned national accreditation through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality initiative of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), valid through 2028.
This comprehensive, nationwide program is dedicated to the safe and effective delivery of metabolic and bariatric surgery, focusing on sustainable weight loss and the treatment of obesity-related conditions including type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Research consistently shows that accredited centers achieve fewer complications and better patient outcomes than non-accredited facilities.
The program's bariatric surgeries are performed by Michael Simonson, MD, FACS, who serves as Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director, alongside Jacob Wiesen, MD, FACS.
“This accreditation is a reflection of the incredible team we have here at Great Plains Health," said Jasmine Hahn, surgical weight loss program coordinator. "We pour ourselves into this program every day, and to have that work recognized at a national level is incredibly meaningful. Most importantly, it gives our patients added confidence that they're in good hands, and that's what drives everything we do."
As an MBSAQIP-accredited facility, Great Plains Health also joins the ACS Surgical Quality Partner network. This designation reflects a hospital's dedication to process improvement, rigorous self-evaluation, and adherence to the most demanding standards in surgical quality. Patients can be confident that care received at an ACS Surgical Quality Partner hospital meets the highest benchmarks the profession has to offer.
"Earning MBSAQIP accreditation sets a high bar, and our team has risen to meet it. For patients in our region, having access to an accredited bariatric program close to home makes a real difference — and we're proud to offer that right here in North Platte," said Dr. Simonson.
To learn more about the Great Plains Health Surgical Weight Loss Program, visit gphealth.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/ or call 308.568.8508.