The University of Texas Medical Branch Bariatric Surgery Program has earned several prestigious national designations from major insurance providers, underscoring its commitment to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care for patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery.
UTMB has been recognized as a:
Cigna Center of Excellence
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center+
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Essentials Health Care Center of Excellence
Aetna Institute of Quality
Continuous access to care
These designations are awarded to facilities that meet the insurance payors’ rigorous standards for quality outcomes, patient safety, and cost-effective care. Many insurance plans require patients to receive bariatric surgery at designated centers, making these recognitions essential for ensuring continued access to care across UTMB’s service region.
“Our bariatric surgery program is leading the region into advanced multidisciplinary and quality weight management care,” said Dr. Sarah Samreen, director of metabolic and bariatric surgery at UTMB. “Our patients place extraordinary trust in us, and this achievement reinforces our mission to provide the highest level of surgical excellence, support, and long-term partnership in their health journey.”
A key component in obtaining these designations was UTMB’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program accreditation, awarded in February 2024. Under MBSAQIP standards, UTMB’s Galveston Campus is the accredited site where all bariatric surgeries are performed. Patients receive pre- and post-operative care at UTMB clinics in League City and Lake Jackson, ensuring convenient access to services close to home while maintaining the highest clinical standards in Galveston.
Safe, effective, patient-centered care
“These recognitions reflect the deep commitment of our bariatric surgery team to providing safe, effective, patient-centered care,” said Carrie Cucco, RN, metabolic and bariatric surgery program coordinator said. “Achieving accreditation and these additional designations demonstrates not only the strength of our program but also our dedication to ensuring that patients across our communities have access to high-quality obesity treatment options. We are proud of the work being done every day to support patients on their health journey.”
For UTMB and the patients it serves, these achievements translate into expanded access to approved bariatric surgery services, greater flexibility within insurance networks and the assurance that care meets nationally recognized quality benchmarks.
Learn more about the UTMB Bariatric Surgery Program.