What are the hallmarks of the highest quality bariatric surgery centers? In two words: accreditation and outcomes.
Many bariatric surgery centers are not accredited. Many have no verifiable proof of their patients’ results. Stony Brook, we are proud to say, has achieved both top-level national accreditation and has been recognized nationally for outstanding performance outcomes.
MBSAQIP Accredited Center
What Is Accreditation? National accreditation is an important way for patients to verify that a bariatric surgery center has the support and resources necessary to address the entire spectrum of care and needs of bariatric patients, both pre- and post-operatively. The national accrediting organization for bariatric surgery centers is the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
Accreditation is awarded in several categories, each with its own criteria that must be met. Some facilities are accredited for only one type of procedure, for example. Others may be accredited only for adult surgeries. MBSAQIP has accredited Stony Brook at the highest possible level – “Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications.”
In other words, the Stony Brook bariatric surgery center is accredited at the highest level for the broadest range of patients and for all procedures available.
Meeting Rigorous Quality Standards. To achieve top-level accreditation, the Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center at Stony Brook underwent a voluntary, rigorous, independent review process. It required extensive documentation of all aspects of its staffing, operations and processes, as well as a site visit conducted by an experienced, independent bariatric surgeon.
MBSAQIP requires proof of key physical resources (facilities and technologies), human resources (qualified, credentialed, multidisciplinary staff) and standards of practice. All must measure up to the performance requirements outlined by the MBSAQIP accreditation standards.
Verifiable Proof of Excellent Surgical Outcomes. High-quality surgery centers document their patient outcomes (results) using standard measures, and report the data to an independent outside organization. Lesser quality surgery centers make claims about their results that cannot be proven or verified.
Data registration not only promotes consistent national benchmarks for quality of care, but also supports quality improvement. Participating centers can compare their performance to their peers, and identify any needs for improvement.
Accredited bariatric surgery centers track their outcomes through the MBSAQIP Data Registry Platform. The types of statistics that are reported include any complications that occur during or after surgery, adherence to processes proven to improve outcomes, and success rates.
Quality Among the Best in the U.S. The Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center at Stony Brook is proud to say that we are ranked among the top bariatric centers nationally for bariatric surgery patient outcomes as reported to MBSAQIP.
Learn more about the national organization that oversees accreditation of bariatric surgery centers: the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
Excellence in Diabetes Care
US News and World Report Recognition
Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) has been recognized as a Best Hospital for 2022-23 by U.S. News & World Report for Diabetes and Endocrinology ranking in the top 7 percent of 764 peer hospitals nationally. To achieve this high level of recognition for clinical excellence, Stony Brook's outcomes for patient survival rates, complication rates, patient experience, and level of nursing care were ranked in the top 50 of hospitals nationwide.
Excellence in Cardiac Care
Healthgrades national recognition
Stony Brook's Heart Institute is ranked within the top 100 of America's Best for Cardiac Care by Healthgrades. Healthgrades is a leading online resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems, evaluating hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Stony Brook's national recognition exemplifies the Heart Institute's dedication to delivering the highest standards of care for our patients.
Best Bariatric Practice on Long Island
Best of Long Island 2023 and 2024
Stony Brook Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center was named the Best Bariatric Practice on Long Island for the second year in a row in 2024. The annual Bethpage Best of LI competition is the largest business awards program in the history of Long Island.