The Center for Weight Management learned it has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Minnesota and the BCBS Association. It’s already been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. “We are very pleased that Blue Cross and Blue Shield has designated our bariatric program as a Blue Distinction Center,” says Ben Koppelman, St. Joseph’s President/CEO. “It’s recognition that our program has met or exceeded stringent criteria and has proven to deliver high quality care for patients.” Koppelman adds St. Joseph’s remains proud of its patient outcomes and the satisfaction patients have had with our services. The latest distinctions means patients can be assured all requirements have been made to make the center a provider of top specialty care in the treatment of obesity. Having completed an evaluation of its facilities and processes, only high-scoring facilities earn the right to be called a Blue Distinction Center. What that means for patients (besides the assurance of quality care) is that there could be less “fuss” for those patients who want weight-loss surgery and subscribe to certain BCBS policies. “We are happy Blue Cross patients will now be further encouraged to use our program,” Koppelman says.