What is a "Bariatric Center of Excellence?"

I get so frustrated when someone essentially brags about having their surgery at COE as if that actually MEANS anything. There are plenty of qualified surgeons and facilities who simply don't have the time/energy/resources/MONEY to jump through the administrative hoops required to achieve that meaningless designation.

The hospital where I got my surgery done was a COE, but that had nothing to do with my decision to go there, and I still would have gone there even if it were NOT a COE. Further, my surgery performed at said COE has led to more than a couple discussions of possibly sueing the surgeon and/or facility because my surgery was not performed the way it was intended to be (hence my surgery type listed as "other" instead of DS).

It seems that several respondees to your question have more insight on
the subject than I can claim - I am almost hesitant to add my comments
to the mix.

I happen to have chosen a Doctor whose practice is designated as a
"Center of Excellence". They are #1 in my state and are in the top 5%
nationwide. My decision was based upon testimonies of friends, the
doctor's experience/reputation/success record as well as quite a bit of
research.

Until reading your post chain just a few minutes ago, I was not aware
of the history/origin of the COEs. My insurance carrier is Fed BCBS. Not
once during the several conversations I had w/representatives did they
mention a requirement to have my WLS performed at a COE. I am learning however, after reading numerous posts on OH, that appartently not all BCBS policies are the same. That would explain the differences in their prerequisites.

Personally, I have been extremely pleased with all my dealings to date
with my surgeon and his staff. Their approach is very "hands on" and
is geared up to be involved with an individual from the onset of the
pre-op process through their extensive post-op program. Many of their
patients attend monthly support meeting coordinated by my surgeon's
office. Their positive testimonals bolstered my decision in choosing this
surgeon.

Taking all this into consideration, I am sure I would not take it kindly
had my insurance carrier effectively choosen my surgeon for me. While
I am sure that on some level their input would have merit, I firmly
believe the insurance community often over steps their boundaries.
The bottom line is that you should ultimately make the decision you are comfortable with. Afterall, WLS is meant to be a life altering experience
and you will be interfacing with the doctor and his staff for quite a while.

Sorry for the length of my reply.....The BEST of luck to you.
God Bless. K

I appreciate the information. My insurance does not require a COE but I happened to choose a dr. who operates in one. It was not my first or even one of the top priorities I used when choosing. We still have to do our homework and find the one that we trust and are willing to put our lives in their hands. Not all COEs are evil and not all evil dr. practices are COEs. 

Very true.  Trust your own instincts.  Again, the best of luck.

No, I didn't say that COEs are evil.  The concept comes from exploitation of what might have been a good idea into something that has ulterior motives, however, which do NOT reflect benefit to the patient.

I'd rather go to a COE than some community hospital where they only do 5 bariatric surgeries per year.  And while I would not refuse to use a COE, it means NOTHING to me in terms of selecting a hospital or a surgeon, other than whether your insurance covers it - I don't believe it promises ANY particular standard of care.

That was my point - and the derogatory comments about the origins of the COE are to make sure that people understand what is REALLY behind them, and patient care isn't the primary reason, no matter how the insurance companies color it.

It's all in the paperwork. The person in the office that keeps the stats and does the required paperwork will get the 'seal of approval', but like the original posted says it doesn't mean a thing.

It's an Orwellian word game, happens a lot - the name alone begets the cachet, although exactly whose approval isn't stated.  They came up with the term Center of Excellence, so now everyone assumes they must be excellent (like lemmings, LOL, which I did also for a while before doing some research).  Names like "Surgery Mills R Us" or "We Cut Em & Dump Em" or "24-hour Bariatrics," although likely more accurate, don't connote quite the same thing....

LOL!

Fred & Ernies Bariatric Surgery Center, open evenings and weekends.

Plain and simple.  It's any facility that takes the time to fill out the paperwork necessary to jump into bed with the insurance company.  Maybe they would be better termed, "Bariatric Institute for the Treatment of Chronic Hyperobesity" (*****).

LOL.