RT Journal
A1 Lisa L, Joseph S
T1 CEnters of excellence
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2010
FD January 1
VO 145
IS 1
SP 106
OP 107
DO 10.1001/archsurg.2009.256
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2009.256
AB 
On April 21, 2009, HealthCore Inc, the outcomes research subsidiary of WellPoint Inc, released the findings of a study comparing outcomes at the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery with those from nondesignated facilities, all participating facilities in WellPoint's affiliated health plans' networks. The study showed that procedures performed at Blue Distinction centers had fewer infections and lower complications overall. A few days later, we were interested to read Dr Livingston's article in Archives,1 which concluded that designation as a bariatric surgery COE does not ensure better outcomes.