GLENDALE — Abrazo Arrowhead Campus has achieved two significant milestones for its bariatric surgery program, earning accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and recognition as a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Bariatric Surgery.

“These designations reflect the hospital’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals seeking surgical treatment for obesity and related health conditions,” said Dr. William Arnold, board-certified general and bariatric surgeon, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

MBSAQIP accreditation is a comprehensive, nationwide quality program jointly administered by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. After a rigorous review process, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus (AAC) was awarded accreditation as a Comprehensive Center, recognizing its ability to meet nationally recognized standards for bariatric patient care, safety and outcomes.

AAC is also proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona with a Blue Distinction Centers+ designation under the Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery program.

BDC+ designated facilities have demonstrated expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes, and were also more cost-effective for bariatric procedures and achieved 25% average cost savings for bariatric procedures compared to all other non-designated facilities, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

“Receiving both MBSAQIP accreditation and Blue Distinction Centers+ recognition is a tremendous achievement: weight-loss surgery is about much more than helping patients lose weight—it can improve lives, resolve serious obesity-related conditions and help people lead healthier, more active lives,” said Dr. Ryan Pinnell, medical director of the bariatric surgery program at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

While bariatric surgery can be an important step toward better health, long-term outcomes also depend on healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, behavioral support, and close collaboration with specialists to recommend treatments and medications.

“These recognitions demonstrate our commitment to long-term outcomes in our patients and providing advanced surgical care close to home for West Valley residents with exceptional follow-up,” said Stephen Garner, CEO, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

“We are proud of our bariatric team’s dedication and pleased to offer patients access to nationally recognized care that can have a profound impact on their health and quality of life.”