Hurley Bariatric NOT Center of Excellence????

When I attended the informational seminar at Hurley (Flint) they said they were a Center of Excellence. I've heard it mentioned on this forum as well. However, I checked the www.ASBS.org website - which issues these certifications - and Hurley is NOT listed. So I sent them an email asking if they just hadn't updated their site, blah, blah, blah. They sent back a reply stating that if the hospital is not listed on their site then it is NOT a COE. What?! Is there some other organizations issuing COE certifications that I'm not aware of? Or maybe they used to be a COE but it was revoked? Mmm... I'm calling them for clarification tomorrow, but just wondering if anyone here has any insight? :confused: Pam

I don't know enough about the COE to say what these certificates really mean, but what I can say is that I had my surgery there in Sept.06 and everything went well. I felt confident with the information and care I received. I would definitely recommend having your surgery there. I really felt like they knew what they were doing, from the surgeons to the nurses. Best wishes.

Pam, I do know that Hurley is listed with Medicare as a Center of Excellence. I wouldn't be able to go there otherwise..... Here is the link ..... http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareApprovedFacilitie/BSF/list.asp#TopOfPage Hope that helps.... Shawn M.

While trying to get approved for my surgery BCN decided to start a "Center of Excellence" program. This is how I was told it works: There is a National "Center of Excellence" and then there is the individual "Center of Excellence" programs that are run by the insurance companies standards; some of which are stricter than the rules at the National level. I know for Blue Care Network, Hurley qualifies as a "Center of Excellence". That just means they met all the criteria for that insurance company. I would say to try your insurance company first. Best of Luck Stacey B

Pam, I don't know enough about this subject to comment on but I will say that Hurley IS, in my opinion, the most excellent choice. I did my research on many centers, did the orientations, for one whole year before I made my decision. You have to be the one to decide the fate of your health and which surgeon will do the best for you. You have to be comfortable and feel safe. That is of the utmost importance honey. I had Dr. Obeid and after talking with him one on one a few times, I felt he was the best one for me. He is a compassionate, kind, christian man who puts his work in God's hands. That, along with his phenominal patient record, was enough for me. It's all up to you girl, keep researching if you are unsure. This is your life. Good luck and prayers, Susan

***hijack*** Hey Susan Baby - Wish you could have joined me and Erin for lunch that day. I could have used someone to split my HUGE meal with!!!!!!! We had a blast shopping too. Old Navy - yup thats the store for me, gotta love those vanity sizes!! Hugs, laurie

Ok, all these comments make me feel much better. I didn't realized that individual insurance companies were able to attach the title of "Center of Excellence". I was just a bit nervous that Hurley would be bragging on that designation if they weren't actually a COE. And yes, I did a ton of research before I chose Hurley. I actually had found a doctor that I would have preferred using, but the bariatric center he was at now wasn't up to par in my mind. But I feel like I've found a great choice of surgeon and feel confident that Hurley provides excellent care. Thanks all for your help. Pam