Spectrum Health/Michigan Medical, P.C. Bariatric Program Earns National Certification; Mark of Distinction Earned After Highly Rigorous Process.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Spectrum Health/Michigan Medical P.C. (MMPC(R)) Bariatric Program was recently named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE) by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBS). The designation reflects Spectrum Health and MMPC as leading providers who deliver quality care, have a strong patient commitment and exceptional patient outcomes.

"Receiving the ASBS Center of Excellence certification is validation of the strength and depth of our program," said Randal Baker, M.D., F.A.C.S, medical director of the Spectrum Health Bariatric Program. "Our program is more than surgery - it is a comprehensive multidisciplinary program that equips patients with the tools to make changes for life. The BSCOE is a signal to patients that our program has reached a standard of excellence and is a highly regarded bariatric program."

According to a study released in July 2005 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of bariatric surgeries in the U.S.more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 - from 13,386 to 71,733. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASBS Center of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continually improve quality and safety.

The mark of distinction comes after a rigorous application and review process. ASBS representatives spent a full day interviewing administrators and staff including Shawn Ulreich, R.N., M.S.N., vice president, patient care services, Spectrum Health Hospitals and Peter Lundeen, M.D., vice president, medical affairs, Spectrum Health Hospitals. Additional interviews were conducted with Spectrum Health staff and MMPC physicians and nurses. Site inspections were also conducted at the Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus and at the MMPC office at 4100 Lake Drive in Grand Rapids. The site visit and interviews were an opportunity for ASBS representatives to fully understand how Spectrum Health and MMPC embrace the bariatric patient and their specific health care needs.

The BSCOE certification specifically recognizes Spectrum Health's Blodgett Campus dedicated bariatric unit, MMPC Center for Health Excellence and Randal Baker, M.D., F.A.C.S., James Foote, M.D., F.A.C.S., Paul Kemmeter, M.D., F.A.C.S. The MMPC board certified bariatric surgeons have performed more than 1,200 minimally invasive surgeries in the past two years.

MMPC has more than 240 health care providers in 50 locations across West Michigan in more than 20 specialties. To learn more about MMPC, visit www.mmpc.com.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through its seven hospitals, more than 140 service sites and 450,000-member health plan, Priority Health. Our 13,000 employees, 1,400 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need. We provided $88 million in community benefit during our 2005 fiscal year. Spectrum Health has earned numerous national awards including being ranked in Verispan's listing of top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks. For more information, visit spectrum-health.org.