Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) was recognized by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) with a Blue Distinction Center+ (BDC+) designation under the Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgeryprogram for higher quality and more cost-effective Bariatric Surgery.
This program focuses on improving outcomes and guides adult and adolescent members to hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that meet quality and safety standards for common weight-loss procedures, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. BDC+ designated facilities have demonstrated expertise in patient safety, delivered better health outcomes and offered more cost-effective options for bariatric procedures.
“Receiving this distinction is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to provide safe, high-quality care for every patient who entrusts us with their weight loss journey,” said William A. Graber, MD, FACS, MVHS Bariatric surgeon. “Bariatric surgery is more than a procedure, it’s the beginning of a healthier life. We’re proud to offer advanced surgical options and comprehensive support to patients here in the Mohawk Valley.”
To receive this designation, facilities must participate in Excellus BCBS’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network and must be accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). MBSAQIP sets rigorous safety and quality standards, requires facilities to track outcomes over time and confirms the expertise needed to perform weight-loss surgery safely.
All facilities designated under the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program have proven they deliver higher-quality care under MBSAQIP’s objective standards for bariatric procedures. On average, MBSAQIP accredited centers that are BDC designated have 20 percent fewer severe complications for gastric bypass[1] compared to non-MBSAQIP-accredited facilities.
In addition to demonstrating higher-quality care, those facilities receiving the BDC+ designation also achieved 25 percent average cost savings1 for bariatric procedures compared to all other non-designated facilities.
By meeting these criteria, MVHS demonstrated a strong commitment to higher-quality and affordable care and remains at the forefront of bariatric surgery advancement.
Members treated at designated facilities benefit from specialized expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, enhancing their overall health journey.
While bariatric surgery can be an important step toward better health, long-term outcomes also depend on healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, behavioral support and close collaboration with specialists to help members adhere to recommended treatments and medications.
“Congratulations to MVHS on achieving this important quality recognition,” said Tony Vitagliano, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica regional president. “The Blue Distinction designation is an important quality and transparency tool to help members make informed decisions about their health care.”
For more information or to request a consultation, visit mvhealthsystem.org/weight-loss or speak with your provider.
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About Mohawk Valley Health System
The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) is an integrated health care system serving the Mohawk Valley and surrounding communities. With a focus on quality, safety and patient-centered care, MVHS provides comprehensive services across a broad continuum of care to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.
About Blue Distinction Centers
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for noncovered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.
[1] Results from the 2026 Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Survey designation evaluations
