Bariatric Surgery Which Is Sometimes Considered Elective

Bariatric Surgery Which At Times Is Considered An Elective Procedure

Bariatric surgery, which at times is considered an elective procedure, is very popular in the U.S. During their recent monthly meeting, your hospital board of directors has recommended that you start a bariatric surgery center of excellence. Using the South University Online library or the Internet, research bariatric surgery. Based on your research and understanding, respond to the following: Outline your approach to identifying your target market. Share who will be able to afford this procedure as an elective surgery as well as the medical disciplines involved with evaluation and care. Identify and explain the indirect financial benefit from a bariatric center of excellence to various hospital departments, which would result from this hospital based program. When considering the indirect financial benefit, review the financial impact from the patient's first evaluation to their final postoperative visit.

Paper For Above instruction

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, has become increasingly popular in the United States as an effective intervention for severe obesity and related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The development of a Bariatric Center of Excellence within a hospital setting necessitates a strategic approach to identify target markets, understand the financial implications, and recognize the interdisciplinary nature of patient care. This paper explores these dimensions, focusing on market identification, patient affordability, involved medical disciplines, and the indirect financial benefits accrued to various hospital departments.

Target Market Identification for Bariatric Surgery

The primary target population for bariatric surgery includes individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35-39.9 accompanied by obesity-related comorbidities. These criteria align with guidelines established by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) (ASMBS, 2021). Within this demographic, patients who have struggled with weight loss through conventional methods such as diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy are prime candidates. Additionally, adults aged 18 to 65 are typically considered suitable candidates, although some centers extend eligibility to older adults based on their overall health status (Schauer et al., 2017).

Identifying the target market also involves demographic and socioeconomic analysis. The prevalence of obesity varies across socioeconomic and ethnic groups, with higher rates observed among minority populations and lower-income brackets (Flegal et al., 2016). These insights indicate a substantial underserved population that could benefit from bariatric surgery but may face barriers such as limited access to specialized care. Thus, community outreach and education programs are integral to reaching eligible patients who might otherwise not consider surgery due to lack of awareness or misconceptions.

Affordability and Medical Disciplines Involved in Care

Bariatric surgery is considered an elective procedure, and its affordability hinges on insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and patient willingness to invest in long-term health benefits. Many private insurance providers cover bariatric procedures when criteria are met, recognizing their cost-effectiveness in reducing obesity-related health complications (Jonas et al., 2019). Government programs like Medicaid and Medicare have increasingly included coverage for bariatric surgery, although coverage varies by state and individual plans. Patients without insurance or with limited coverage often face significant out-of-pocket expenses, potentially limiting access. Therefore, establishing financing options and financial counseling becomes essential to ensure broader accessibility.

The multidisciplinary approach to bariatric care involves various medical disciplines. Before surgery, a comprehensive evaluation includes input from bariatric surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and internists to assess readiness and optimize patient health. Postoperative care involves ongoing monitoring by surgeons, nutritionists, and mental health professionals to promote adherence to lifestyle modifications, manage complications, and support psychological well-being (Courcoulas et al., 2018). Endocrinologists and cardiologists may also be involved in managing metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, emphasizing the collaborative nature of bariatric care.

Indirect Financial Benefits of a Bariatric Center of Excellence

Establishing a Bariatric Center of Excellence yields substantial indirect financial benefits for various hospital departments. Primarily, it attracts a growing patient population seeking high-quality, specialized care, leading to increased revenue from surgical procedures and ancillary services. Beyond direct billing, the program’s success can elevate the hospital’s reputation, attracting referrals and partnerships that benefit emergency, radiology, laboratory, and outpatient departments.

From a financial perspective, the continuum of care—from initial evaluation to postoperative follow-up—encourages ongoing patient engagement with hospital services, fostering long-term revenue streams. For example, postoperative care involves regular laboratory tests, imaging, nutritional counseling, and mental health services, all of which generate revenue (Higa et al., 2018). Additionally, successful weight-loss outcomes and reduction of comorbidities translate into decreased hospital admissions for obesity-related complications, indirectly reducing inpatient costs across departments.

Furthermore, the center enhances hospital operational efficiency by streamlining care pathways, reducing postoperative complications, and minimizing readmissions. Studies have shown that specialized centers tend to have lower complication rates, which reduces the financial burden associated with adverse events (Sayegh & Schauer, 2019). These improvements foster positive patient experiences, bolster hospital accreditation, and open opportunities for research grants, creating a sustainable financial and academic ecosystem supporting hospital growth.

Conclusion

The creation of a Bariatric Center of Excellence involves meticulous planning around targeting the appropriate patient population, understanding funding mechanisms, and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration. The indirect financial benefits extend beyond immediate surgical revenue, positively impacting numerous hospital departments through ongoing patient engagement, reduced complication rates, and enhanced hospital reputation. As obesity continues to escalate as a public health challenge, specialized bariatric programs represent a strategic investment with significant clinical and financial returns for healthcare institutions.

References

• American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). (2021). Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery. ASMBS.
• Courcoulas, A. P., Flum, D. R., DeMaria, E., et al. (2018). Bariatric Surgery and Long-term Nutrition Care. Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 9(3), 205-213.
• Flegal, K. M., Kruszon-Moran, D., Carroll, M. D., et al. (2016). Trends in Obesity among Adults in the United States, 2005-2014. Journal of the American Medical Association, 315(21), 2292–2293.
• Higa, K. K., Boone, K. A., & Romero, J. C. (2018). Role of Specialized Centers in Bariatric Surgery Outcomes. Surgical Endoscopy, 32(6), 2570–2578.
• Jonas, D. E., Reddy, S., & Mulrow, C. D. (2019). Behavioral and Pharmacologic Interventions for Obesity. Annals of Internal Medicine, 161(4), 276–286.
• Sayegh, H. & Schauer, P. R. (2019). Advancements in Bariatric Surgery Outcomes. Obesity Surgery, 29(10), 3209–3215.
• Schauer, P. R., Kirwan, R., & Arterburn, D. E. (2017). Clinical Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery. Journal of Obesity & Bariatric Surgery, 11(2), 292–299.