Minnesota Institute For Minimally Invasive Surgery Awarded Blue Distinction

Crosby, MN, 4/28/08 – The Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIMIS) has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric SurgerySM by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Blue Distinction is a designation awarded to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare under objective selection criteria. The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established by leading medical specialists and societies. Its goal is to help consumers find quality specialty care on a consistent basis, while enabling and encouraging health professionals to improve the overall quality and delivery of healthcare nationwide.

“We sought Blue Distinction for our organization because we want to demonstrate our commitment to continuously raising quality and safety to higher levels,” says Dr. Howard McCollister, Co-Director of MIMIS. “Achieving Blue Distinction is yet another indicator of our ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care.”

Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery such as MIMIS have demonstrated their commitment to quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for bariatric patients. Each facility meets stringent clinical criteria, developed in collaboration with expert physician panels and national medical societies, including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), and is subject to periodic reevaluation as criteria continue to evolve.

“Blue Distinction in Bariatric Surgery is the third quality recognition MIMIS Weight Loss has received over the past year.  In 2007 MIMIS was accepted into the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Network, and became a Centers of Excellence - by the ASMBS and SRC,” says Jon Rauen, Surgical Services Administrator. “We view achieving all three quality recognitions as a great accomplishment reflecting the quality of care we provide our patients.”

For more information about weight loss surgery contact MIMIS at 888-546-4343 or visit www.mimis-obesity.com.