New Hanover Regional Medical Center Hospital

New Hanover Regional Medical Center's bariatric surgery program can help individuals who struggle with obesity and have a body mass index (BMI) that is above 40.  Those who have a BMI between 35 and 40 might also qualify if they also have serious medical conditions resulting from their weight, including type 2 diabetes. NHRMC's bariatric surgery program has been cited as an American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) Bariatric Center of Excellence, NC Blue Cross Bariatric Center of Distinction, OptumHealth Bariatric Center of Excellence, and a Cigna Bariatric Center of Excellence.  NHRMC averages 275 bariatric surgeries each year, surpassing the 125 surgeries required by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. Hospitals that are accredited for bariatric surgery must pass a rigorous onsite inspection and are re-evaluated every three years. There are seven quality standards that must be met in order to receive the Bariatric Center of Excellence designation.  Accreditation also aids in reimbursement, as many insurance companies won’t pay hospitals that are not accredited.