LCMC HEALTH HOSPITALS CELEBRATE RECENT BARIATICS DESIGNATIONS DURING OBESITY CARE WEEK

East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) and University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC), both proud members of the LCMC Health system, are pleased to announce they have both officially received the Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). The hospitals are celebrating their recent prestigious recognitions during Obesity Care Week, a global effort to raise awareness about the complex nature of obesity and the importance of access to high-quality, science-based care. 

The Blue Distinction Center designation is awarded to healthcare facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering specialty care safely and effectively. For both LCMC Health facilities, this validation confirms that their bariatric programs meet rigorous national benchmarks set by BCBS for patient safety, program structure and clinical outcomes. 

"We are incredibly honored to receive this designation, which reflects the high standard of specialized care we provide to our patients every day," said Greg Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of EJGH. "At East Jefferson General Hospital, our goal is to empower patients on their journey toward better health with a program built on patient-centered care and proven results. Being recognized as a Blue Distinction Center reinforces our mission to provide our community with the most advanced, compassionate surgical care available." 

UMC joins EJGH in this achievement, further strengthening LCMC Health’s position as a regional leader in metabolic and bariatric health. 

"Achieving the Blue Distinction Center designation is a testament to University Medical Center’s unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and the health of our community," said Tom Patrias, Chief Executive Officer of UMC. "Bariatric surgery is more than a procedure; it is a life-changing intervention that requires the highest standards of safety and long-term support. This recognition affirms that our patients can expect world-class care right here in New Orleans." 

The Blue Distinction program evaluates hospitals based on objective measures, including lower complication rates and fewer hospital readmissions following bariatric procedures. 

"This milestone is a direct reflection of the tireless collaboration and dedication of our multidisciplinary teams," said Schonte Washington, Senior Director of Patient Care Services. "Sharing this designation with our staff and community during Obesity Care Week underscores our commitment to providing evidence-based, patient-centered solutions for those seeking long-term health transformations." 

For LCMC Health patients seeking care at either of these hospitals, this designation validates the quality of excellence delivered by their multidisciplinary bariatric teams that work to support patients through every step of their journey, from pre-surgical education to long-term follow-up. It also positions these hospitals as preferred providers for Blue Cross Blue Shield members, ensuring more patients have access to top-tier surgical care. As leaders in the Louisiana healthcare landscape, this dual achievement strengthens the market competitiveness of LCMC Health and reinforces its role as a trusted destination for complex surgical care.