UNC Health Lenoir’s Bariatric Surgery Center has been re-accredited for another 3 years as a Comprehensive Center by 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). This accreditation ensures that metabolic and bariatric patients continue to receive multidisciplinary medical care improving patient outcomes and long-term success before and after surgery designed specifically for patients with obesity.

UNC Health Lenoir’s commitment to quality bariatric care begins with expertly trained staff. The program boasts two highly trained bariatric surgeons, Dr. Charles Moore and Dr. Joel Rose. The bariatric team monitors surgical data in order to provide very safe, high-quality care to all patients. UNC Health Lenoir continues to meet essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The hospital also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifies opportunities for quality improvement. 

After applying for MBSAQIP Re-Accreditation, UNC Lenoir underwent an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who reviews the center's structure, processes, and clinical outcomes data. Bariatric centers earn accreditation based on how many patients they serve annually, critical care capabilities, and following nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards to ensure safety and high-quality care. This re-accreditation not only promotes uniform standard benchmarks, but also supports continuous quality improvement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about ninety-three million adults in the United States suffer from obesity. Obesity increases the risk of poor health and early death because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of these obesity related conditions. 

“Our bariatric surgery team’s recent re- accreditation aligns with UNC Health Lenoir’s mission to provide high quality care for the community we serve,” said Crystal Hayden, President and CEO at UNC Health Lenoir. “We are pleased to have achieved this recognition once again by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and thank our bariatric team for their dedication to this important service.”

About UNC Health Lenoir
UNC Health Lenoir, licensed for 199 beds, is a nonprofit hospital serving the Lenoir County area with acute, outpatient, and community health services. The hospital has a 118-year history of providing excellent care to the community. In addition to general medical, surgical, and obstetrical and gynecological care, UNC Lenoir offers specialized services including cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, radiology, and urology. Surgical specialties include general surgery, vascular, orthopedics, and bariatrics. UNC Health Lenoir affiliated with the UNC Health Care System in 2017. For more information or to find a physician, visit unclenoir.org.