FHMMC Designated As 'Comprehensive Center' To Treat Severe Obesity

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Daytona Beach, FL - Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center (FHMMC) has been designated as a Comprehensive Center for the treatment of severe obesity.

FHMMC has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) for surgical treatment of obesity and its related conditions.

Dr. Christian Birkedal, who is a general surgeon and the FHMMC medical director of bariatric services, was recognized as a verified bariatric surgeon by MBSAQIP.

This accredited program at FHMMC meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality care for the surgical treatments of severe obesity and its related conditions.

“In the U.S., around 15.5 million people suffer from severe obesity, and the numbers continue to rise,” said Birkedal. “Obesity is a serious health concern, as it increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures have proven to be effective in reducing the comorbid conditions related to severe obesity.”

FHMMC met exacting criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care, to ensure the ability to support patients with severe obesity. FHMMC also participates in a national data registry, reporting on the quality of processes and outcomes.

“This is an important achievement for our community because it shows Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center's dedication and hard work to be a top bariatric program. This designation recognizes that we provide excellent care to our bariatric patients and have excellent outcomes, as measured by the governing body for bariatric surgery,” Birkedal said. “Obesity is a major medical problem, costing billions of dollars annually and causing hundreds of thousands of premature deaths. Our comprehensive bariatric program can help people lose weight and regain their health.”

For more information on MBSAQIP, visit facs.org.

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