Malladi Named to Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Program
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) have combined their respective accreditation programs into one─the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). One of its newest member facilities is owned and operated by Dr. Preeti Malladi, a board-certified, minimally-invasive bariatric and general surgeon serving the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.
Accreditation Requirements
Bariatric surgery accreditation promotes uniform standard benchmarks while supporting continuous quality improvement. The MBSAQIP accredits facilities that implement and adhere to defined standards of care. They administer regular reviews to evaluate bariatric surgical facilities and oversee analytical and reporting tool development.
To receive accreditation, a medical facility must pass a site survey, which is administered by one (1) of over seventy (70) surgeons who ensure strict adherence to MBSAQIP standards. Once the surveyor’s report is completed, it is submitted to a verification sub-committee. If there are any discrepancies between the site surveyor and the sub-committee’s review, the report is handed off to the Co-Chairs of Verification. If a facility doesn’t pass, they’re given the opportunity to correct any deficiencies in a reasonable time frame.
Can Bariatric Surgery be performed at a Non-Accredited Facility?
Surprisingly, yes. As of 2013, the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) no longer requires that bariatric surgery be performed at an accredited facility. However, many of the largest health insurance companies, like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare, won’t cover bariatric surgery unless it’s performed at an accredited center.
If you’re interested in learning more about bariatric surgery and why it should be performed in a facility accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), contact Dr. Preeti Malladi at (214) 256-4693. She’s been included in D Magazine’s Best Doctors edition in each of the last five (5) years.