Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has recognized Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes as one of the first health care facilities in the nation to receive a Blue Distinction Center+ designation in the area of bariatric surgery by the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care program. To receive a Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery designation, a health care facility must demonstrate success in meeting patient safety, as well as bariatric-specific quality measures, including complications and readmissions, for gastric stapling and/or gastric banding procedures. “Bariatric surgeries are among the most common elective surgeries in the United States, which provides a significant opportunity to improve quality and efficiency within the health care system,” said Dr. Timothy Gutshall, Wellmark vice president and chief medical officer.