Clovis is again state’s best in weight-loss surgery
Clovis Community Medical Center has been recognized for the second year in a row as the best place in California for weight-loss surgery.
HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization, recognized the hospital with a five-star rating for clinical excellence in bariatric surgery. It’s the only hospital in California to rate among the top 5% nationally for bariatric surgery, which includes gastric bypass and laparoscopic procedures.
In addition to the top-rung HealthGrades ranking, the American College of Surgeons, Surgical Review Corporation, Blue Cross of California and Health Net all have designated Clovis Community a “Center of Excellence” for bariatric surgery.
Dr. Edward Felix, Clovis Community’s bariatric program medical director, explained the recipe for excellence: “I think it’s the combination of a hospital that has invested a lot of energy and time in a bariatric surgery center with the right equipment, and a nursing staff and a group of surgeons dedicated to bariatric surgery.”
He added, “The two groups of surgeons practicing here are not just part-time bariatric surgeons. Our major thrust is to take care of the morbidly obese patient. And the surgeons here have tremendous experience. We’ve been practicing bariatric surgery nine years here at Clovis Community.”
Clovis Community averages more than 800 bariatric surgeries a year – more than any other single hospital in the state – with a team of nationally recognized surgeons and a clinical staff of more than 20 that is dedicated specifically to the bariatric program. The physicians who most frequently perform bariatric surgeries at Clovis Community are Dr. Felix, Dr. Dan Swartz, Dr. Kelvin Higa and Dr. Keith Boone.
“This well-deserved recognition makes us even prouder of our expert physician, nursing and other professional staff, who focus on delivering quality, safe patient care to our bariatric surgery patients every day,” said David Boyd, chief nursing officer for Clovis Community. “To be recognized as the top hospital in California, with Cedars Sinai in the running, is truly an honor. Congratulations to the great members of the Clovis Community team for receiving these honors once again.”
HealthGrades analyzed surgical outcomes of 166,410 patients in hospitals in 19 states during 2003, 2004 and 2005. The average length of stay for patients undergoing a procedure was 26% shorter for five-star hospitals than one-star hospitals. HealthGrades estimates if all hospitals performed at five-star levels, 5,902 patients annually could have avoided in-hospital complications.
Dr. Samantha Collier, HealthGrades’ vice president of medical affairs said the study shows the quality of bariatric surgery varies widely from hospital to hospital.
“While the most beneficial intervention for morbid obesity is bariatric surgery, it can carry significant risks, which can vary depending on the hospital,” she said, adding that it is important to note “Clovis Community Medical Center rated among the best in the nation with some of the lowest complication rates in the nation for bariatric surgery.”
This story was reported by Erin Kennedy. She can be reached at ekennedy@communitymedical.org.