"Center of Excellence"

I have done a bit of poking around and only see that Emma Patterson is the only surgen in Oregon with this certification. Does anyone know about this certification and how important is it to have? Would you choose a Dr who did not have this? Nancy

There are three bariatric Centers of Excellence in Oregon. Legacy and OHSU in Portland, and St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Linda

I had my surgery on the 16th and it was with Dr Jay Jan in the same office as Emma Patterson. I have had a wonderful expreence here except a few ninny girls in the main office I love the Drs. and the obesity institute that you start with is awsome and there staff is very knowledgable and helpful. Kelly

Kelly, why did you pick Dr. Jan? I'm going to be picking one of them soon. How soon did you talk to a surgon after your psyhci test? I go in for the results of the test on the 8th. So I'm thinking Dr. Patterson. Jo Ann

Jo anne, I wanted to have Dr Patterson but she was booked so far out that It would have taken 8 more weeks to see her and I wanted to have surgery sooner so I went with Dr Jan. I really like him alot. I have not met Dr Patterson so I have nothing to compare to but Dr Jan was very kind sweet and caring. even after care with the calls he never made me feel like I was waisting his time. It took about a month before I got the appointment to see the surgon. Kelly

I also had Dr. Jan at Legacy. I have no complaints. I would have liked my own room after surgery since I stayed the night but that was really a small complaint. The drugs made me sleep most of the time. Lori

Hello, I asked my primary about the "Center of Excellence" rating way back when I first started looking at surgery because at that time the surgeon who my doctor recommended was not a part of a "center of excellence" and so the insurance company said I had to pick someone else. My primary said that really it is an insurance term more than anything. Insurance companies have standards that they set and if a hospital or surgical clinic meets those standards they can apply to be certified as a "Center of Excellence." I don't know that it necessarily is a reflection of the surgeon's ability as much as it is a recognition that they meet the insurance company's "standard." I had Dr. Hong who is with Dr. Patterson. I think all three surgeons there are WONDERFUL! I picked Dr. Hong and waited an extra couple weeks for his availability but that was just because my husband and I met him at the information meeting and we both just felt very comfortable with him. My primary actually had referred me to Patterson--though he did tell me after I told him I was using Hong that he thought her associates were probably just as good. My primary thinks very highly of Patterson and I've really only heard great things about her, as I have about Hong and Jan. My surgery with Hong was great and he is great, very caring and concerned for his patients. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, honestly. ~Michelle

I agree with you, Michelle. They are great doctors. I have Dr Jan and he is great, i really like him, with the calls after surgery, ive had to make to him. Hes been patient with me. and that means alot to me. Good Luck to ya! KathyS