JAMA: 2013-02-27, Vol. 309, No. 8, Author in the Room™ Audio Interview

Interview with Justin B. Dimick, MD, MPH, author of Bariatric Surgery Complications Before vs After Implementation of a National Policy Restricting Coverage to Centers of Excellence. Summary Points: Bariatric surgery has become much safer over the past decade, likely due to better techniques, training in advanced laparoscopy, and tighter credentialing of surgeons. The CMS policy of restricting care to Centers of Excellence has not improved outcomes, but may have had the unintended consequence of reducing access to care. Referring patients to Centers of Excellence for bariatric surgery will not lower the risk of adverse outcomes and decisions should be based on other factors, such as a surgeon’s training, experience, and outcomes.