Regional West Reaccredited by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program

Accreditation demonstrates Regional West’s commitment to ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Regional West’s Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgery Program has achieved reaccreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). 

MBSAQIP is a comprehensive, nationwide surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Surgical outcomes focus on weight loss and the treatment of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes, sleep apnea, and others. Research shows accredited centers experience lower complications, and better outcomes than that of non-accredited facilities. 

“Achieving MBSAQIP accreditation reflects Regional West’s commitment to providing safe, evidence-based, and high-quality metabolic and bariatric care. This recognition represents the dedication of our entire multidisciplinary team, from surgeons and advanced practice providers to nursing, dietitians, behavioral health professionals, anesthesia, and support staff who work together to help patients achieve lasting improvements in their health,” said Bariatric Coordinator Amber Schulze, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CBC. “For our patients, MBSAQIP accreditation means they can be confident they are receiving care that meets rigorous national standards and is focused on continuous quality improvement.” 

As an MBSAQIP-accredited hospital, Regional West is also an American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on processes at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know Regional West is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality. 

"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Regional West has shown a commitment providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement," said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS. 

“Regional West is proud to once again be part of the elite group of MBSAQIP-accredited bariatric surgery centers,” said Jason LaTowsky, MD, medical director of Regional West’s Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgery program. “We’re proud to bring exceptional bariatric services to our patients in the panhandle and beyond.”

Schulze added that this accreditation reflects the program’s mission of delivering compassionate care to patients. 

“Every patient deserves compassionate, coordinated care throughout their weight loss journey. MBSAQIP accreditation demonstrates our commitment to excellence, patient safety, and continuous improvement. We are proud to offer comprehensive bariatric care that helps patients improve their health, regain confidence, and build healthier futures.”

Learn more about the MBSAQIP.

About Regional West
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, the only advanced trauma hospital in Nebraska west of North Platte. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the nation. It is a non-profit organization that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of morbid obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in obesity, while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved outcomes for morbidly obese patients. For more information, visit www.asmbs.org.