Great Plains Health Earns Blue Distinction for Bariatric Surgery

Great Plains Health is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska with a Blue Distinction Center (BDC) designation under the Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery program.

This program focuses on improving outcomes and guides adult and adolescent members to hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that meet quality and safety standards for common weight-loss procedures, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. BDC designated facilities have demonstrated expertise in patient safety and deliver better health outcomes.

“The Blue Distinction program gives members confidence that they are choosing facilities that have met rigorous, evidence-based standards for quality, safety and patient outcomes,” said Dr. Amy Helwig, chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. “We congratulate Great Plains Health on earning this designation for bariatric surgery and commend its commitment to helping patients receive high-quality care as they take important steps toward improved health.”

To receive this designation, facilities must participate in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network and must be accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). MBSAQIP sets rigorous safety and quality standards, requires facilities to track outcomes over time, and confirms the expertise needed to perform weight-loss surgery safely.

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.

“Earning the Blue Distinction Center designation reflects our team’s continued commitment to providing safe, high-quality bariatric care,” said Dr. Simonson. “Patients in our region can feel confident knowing they have access to an experienced bariatric surgery program that meets rigorous standards, all close to home.”

All facilities designated under the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program have proven that they deliver higher-quality care under MBSAQIP’s objective standards for bariatric procedures. On average, BDC designated facilities have 37% fewer total (overall) and 49% fewer severe (life-threatening) complications for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 14% fewer total and 20% fewer severe complications for gastric bypass1 compared to non-MBSAQIP-accredited facilities. By meeting these criteria, Great Plains Health demonstrated a strong commitment to higher-quality care and remains at the forefront of bariatric surgery advancement.

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.

“Earning the Blue Distinction Center designation reflects our team’s continued commitment to providing safe, high-quality bariatric care,” said Dr. Simonson. “Patients in our region can feel confident knowing they have access to an experienced bariatric surgery program that meets rigorous standards, all close to home.”

Members treated at designated facilities benefit from specialized expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, enhancing their overall health journey.

While bariatric surgery can be an important step toward better health, long-term outcomes also depend on healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, behavioral support, and close collaboration with specialists to help members adhere to recommended treatments and medications.

More information about the Blue Distinction program and a complete listing of the designated providers can be found here.