As champions for bariatric surgery excellence, SRC’s new Value for Excellence (VforE) program recognizes and supports those providers that have met the requirements to become an ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence^®(BSCOE^®). The BSCOE designation benefits not only those Centers that have met the most rigorous standards in the industry, but it offers significant value to all stakeholders that are committed to the delivery of safe and effective bariatric surgical care. To add value to the BSCOE program, SRC’s Strategic Alliances has negotiated special benefits and recognition available only to Full Approval BSCOE designees.

The following industry stakeholder business organizations generously offer support, services, product discounts and special recognition to Full Approval BSCOEs (click on name for more information about the special benefits):

• Atlas Technologies

Atlas Technologies provides weight capacity solutions for wall-mounted toilet systems and enhances patient safety within restroom facilities. Atlas’ toilet support, the Titan, increases the capacity load of wall-mounted toilets from 350 pounds to more than 1,000 pounds. The Titan is a recognized solution for bringing wall-mounted toliets in compliance with the ASMBS BSCOE requirement. As part of the Value for Excellence program, Atlas Technologies offers a free Titan unit to any fully approved BSCOE. To receive a complimentary unit, please contact Atlas’ customer service manager at 1.724.962.2324 or info@atlas-titan.com.

• Bariatric Support Centers International

Bariatric Support Centers International (BSCI) has been a leader in the bariatric support community, assuring optimal outcomes since 2000. BSCI provides quality education and support resources for thousands of weight loss surgery patients and the professionals who serve them. The organization has certified hundreds of bariatric professionals who use BSCI materials and resources to improve the quality and consistency of their pre- and postoperative educational programs, as well as enhance and expand their support groups and aftercare programs. As part of the VforE program, BSCI is offering discounts on certification courses and education/support resources to fully approved BSCOEs. BSCOEs also receive complimentary one-month BSCI membership passes for patients. To take advantage of these discounts, use the codes below when purchasing online or call 1.800.339.9129. $100 off Support Group Leader Certification - Code: BSCOE100 $50 off Refresher Course for Certified Leaders - Code: BSCOE50 $50 off Support Groups of Excellence™ Lesson Starter Set - Code: BSCOE50 $200 off Back On Track Facilitator Certification License - Code: BSCOE200 100 BariSaver Cards good for one complimentary month of BSCI membership for patients ($1,000 value) - Code: BSCOEBS100 For more information, visit www.bsciresourcecenter.com.

• BariMD

BariMD is a leader in providing operational and educational solutions to drive enduring program success. Full Approval BSCOEs receive complimentary access to all SRC training courses available in The Metabolic and Bariatric Institute™, an online and on-demand training platform. This electronic platform contains a library of accredited courses from various educational providers in the bariatric industry. For more information, visit www.barimd.com/SurgicalReview.php. BSCOEs also receive a 10 percent discount on BariMD's Center of Excellence Site Readiness Audit. This assessment focuses on recreating the onsite evaluation process to prepare bariatric programs for their BSCOE site inspection. For more information, call 1.877.855.9988. Additionally, organizations can access BariMD’s highly specialized list of bariatric-related article abstracts pulled from more than 15 of the most well-respected journals and publications in the health care industry by visiting https://www.barimd.com/center.php.

• BLIS

Full Approval BSCOEs surgeons have exclusive access to specially designed version of BLISCare™. BLISCare is the first and only insurance product that protects both the surgeon and patient from the financial risk associated with bariatric surgery complications and subsequent follow-up care. BSCOE surgeons are eligible for BLISCare pricing and coverage options not available to other bariatric surgeons. For additional information, contact Ron Hill, Executive Vice President at 503-342-2444 or BSCOEprogram@bliscompany.com or go to www.bliscompany.com.

• Eisner USA

Eisner USA, LLC, is a qualified, FDA-registered medical device company with a primary focus on providing new and innovative medical devices to bariatric surgery centers. Eisner USA is committed to developing and manufacturing innovative, high-quality, cost-effective medical devices that meet and exceed clinician needs and improve patient outcomes. As part of the VforE program, Eisner USA is offering fully approved BSCOE designees a member discount on all surgical and medical supplies designed for bariatric surgery. For product information and to take advantage of these discounts, visit www.eisnerusa.com and click on the VforE link. Please use the codes below when purchasing online or call 1.877.934.7637. 15% off a specially designed retractor and instrument holder for bariatric surgeries - Code: SRCEU-SFR 10-20% off all disposable bariatric instruments and supplies - Code: SRCEU-TRO

• Info-Surge

Info-Surge provides an online patient education system and content designed to enhance patient care, improve risk management, save time and money, and expand marketing opportunities. Info-Surge is giving fully approved BSCOEs a free account to deliver information seminars and peri-operative patient education directly from the practices' Web sites. Info-Surge appeals to patients because it is an effective teaching tool and there is no wait to start the registration process. Your account records patients' demographic information, logs their participation and exit quiz results to prove completion and comprehension. Other special features include automatic e-mail notification of patient registration and education module completion. Info-Surge supports surgical practices and hospitals of all sizes worldwide. For more information visit: www.info-surge.com/src.php or call 1.888.203-0465.

• Medical Animatics

Medical Animatics, LLC offers the most comprehensive 3D-animated patient education and informed consent product for online learning. The MyInformedChoice® application saves nurse educators 70 percent patient education chair time, and patients benefit from the easy-to-use interactive Web site that guides them step-by-step through the complete bariatric process and illustration of Roux-n-Y, gastric banding or sleeve procedures. As part of the VforE program, Medical Animatics is giving BSCOEs free content from the MyInformedChoice application (valued at $2,000) for use in new patient seminars. To download the free content, visit www.bariatricmedia.com. MyInformedChoice has a custom-branded interface that integrates with your Web site to provide a powerful marketing tool, and Centers can reduce their risk with the application’s interactive knowledge checks and help with securing informed consent documentation. Register for a FREE trial of MyInformedChoice at www.myinformedchoice.com or call 1.877.284-2811.

• NOVUS Insurance Company

Novus provides professional liability insurance to Bariatric Surgeons nationwide. ASMBS BSCOE surgeons may be eligible for premium discounts. In addition to insurance protection, you will benefit from the Novus risk management program which is specifically designed for the risks associated with bariatric surgery. No other company provides the level of added value Novus does to help you minimize your risk so you will reduce your exposure to claims. Call 1.888.490-5185, e-mail info@NovusMD.com or visit the Web site at www.NovusMD.com.

• Obesity Action Coalition

Full approval surgeons and facilities are able to take advantage of a discount off their membership in the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). The OAC is a National nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together all who are affected by obesity and providing education and advocacy resources. As an organization whose sole focus is helping those who are affected by obesity, the OAC encourages comprehensive education on obesity in addition to active advocacy participation in issues such as increasing access to obesity treatments. For more information and to take advantage of the special discount offered exclusively to COEs, please visit www.obesityaction.org/membership/srcdiscountmembership.php or contact us at 1.800.717-3117.

• ProNex, Inc.

ProNex, Inc. is offering their online intake and patient registration package free for one year exclusively to all surgical practices designated as a fully approved ASMBS BSCOE®. Founded in 2001, ProNex, Inc. develops, markets, and maintains Web-enabled software solutions that allow health care professionals to be connected to their patients. My ProConnect’s Online Intake and Registration module for online patient registration allows BSCOEs to set up Internet-based registration screens that enable patients to enter their basic registration information such as contact information, previous surgeries and insurance information from their home or the surgeon’s office. These screens eliminate the current practice of capturing information on paper. In addition, the registration screens include a section where the BSCOEs can download a welcome video of their program that the patient can view. To learn more, visit www.pronexinc.com or call 1.847.726.7718.

• Surgical Excellence LLC

Surgical Excellence, LLC, combines medical, legal and risk expertise, along with data-driven audit tools to help hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and surgeons assess clinical and professional liability for determining underwriting risk, hospital credentialing and peer-review assessment. Experienced bariatric risk management professionals provide counseling and mock site inspections to analyze the program’s readiness for the BSCOE site inspection. As part of the VforE program, Surgical Excellence offers fully approved BSCOEs a 20 percent discount ($2,000-$4,000 value) on all services to enhance quality of care and patient safety while reducing professional liability risk. For more information, visit surgicalexcellencellc.com, e-mail info@surgicalexcellencellc.com or call 888.782.5580.

Today, 250 million patients are impacted by the ASMBS BSCOE program by payor network selections. To help ensure that bariatric surgery and care are delivered in a facility and by a surgeon that meet strict standards, have a proven track record on patient safety and consistently deliver quality care, numerous payors and networks across the nation use the BSCOE program as a prequalification requirement for their provider network. They recognize that using a BSCOE helps ensure better outcomes for their members. The following is a list of just some of the payors and networks that endorse the BSCOE program (click on name for more information about the organization):

• Aultcare Health Plans

The ASMBS BSCOE designation is required for inclusion in this hospital-based PPO's bariatric surgery network. AultCare is a subsidiary of the Aultman Foundation and Stark Quality Care Physicians and is one of the largest hospital-based health insurance plans in the Midwest, serving more than 2,200 companies and 530,000 members. For more information go to www.aultcare.com.

• American Specialty Health

This health improvement organization requires the ASMBS BSCOE designation for inclusion in their bariatric surgery network. American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) provides specialty benefit programs, fitness programs, health coaching and incentives, Internet solutions, and worksite wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. ASH subsidiaries cover 13.4 million members in specialty benefit, fitness, and coaching programs. For more information, go to www.ashcompanies.com.

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric SurgerySM program recognizes the ASMBS BSCOE designation by displaying the ASMBS BSCOE seal next to all hospital names that have achieved the designation in their provider listing on BCBSA Web site and in their network directories. In addition, the Association gives credit for 29 out of 51 questions in its quality data survey that is sent to bariatric hospitals and surgeons. To learn more, go to www.bcbs.com.

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Massachusetts

Bariatric Surgery programs must have the ASMBS BSCOE designation (or ACS designation or meet the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction requirements) as a requirement for inclusion in the BCBSMA COE network. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts was founded more than 70 years ago by a group of community-minded business leaders and provides coverage to more than 3 million members, 2.5 million in Massachusetts. BCBSMA believes in rewarding doctors and hospitals for delivering safe and effective care, and in empowering patients to take more responsibility, become educated health care consumers and become stronger partners with their doctors. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. For more information, go to https://www.bluecrossma.com.

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

For inclusion in the BCBSNC bariatric surgery COE network, providers must have the ASMBS BSCOE designation (or ACS designation). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 75 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, go to https://www.bcbsnc.com/.

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Dakota

ASMBS BSCOE designation or proof of Provisional Status (or ACS designation) is required for inclusion in the BCBSND bariatric surgery network. BCBSND is North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, insuring more than 350,000 North Dakota residents and 75,000 non-residents. More than 475,000 people have BCBSND health care coverage either directly or through administrative agreements. BCBSND is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, go to https://www.bcbsnd.com/.

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

CMS requires the ASMBS BSCOE designation (or ACS designation) in order to meet its standards for bariatric surgery and be included in the bariatric surgery network. For more information, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareApprovedFacilitie/BSF/list.asp.

• CIGNA

The ASMBS BSCOE designation (or ACS designation) is required for inclusion in their bariatric surgery network and be considered as a CIGNA Certified Hospital for Bariatric Surgery. For more information go to http://www.cigna.com/customer_care/healthcare_professional/medical/cchb_criteria.html.

• Coalition American, Inc.

The ASMBS BSCOE designation is required for inclusion in Coalition America's panel of bariatric surgery providers. Coalition America, Inc. (CAI/NPPN) uses proprietary technology to deliver significant discounts on medical and dental bills. It services clients representing more than 12,000 health plans nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.coalitionamerica.com/.

• Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare

Harvard Pilgrim uses the ASMBS BSCOE designation to select their list of providers meeting specific quality criteria for weight loss surgery. Harvard Pilgrim is a not-for-profit health plan that provides a variety of insurance plan options and self-funding arrangements to more than one million members in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. For more information, go to www.harvardpilgrim.org.

• Humana

Humana requires the ASMBS BSCOE designation for participation in their bariatric surgery network. Humana's bariatric surgery management program serves members who have a bariatric surgery benefit and meet bariatric surgery qualifications. The program focuses on guiding members to BSCOEs. Humana has specialized bariatric nurses available for its members to help them select appropriate centers, obtain authorizations (if needed) and coordinate bariatric surgery-related care for six months post surgery. Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 11.7 million medical members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals. You may find a copy of Humana's coverage guidelines for bariatric surgery at www.humana.com.

• Kaiser Permanente

Only ASMBS BSCOE centers are used to serve the members of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente is the nation's largest not-for-profit health plan, serving 8.7 million members. For more information about their bariatric surgery network, go to https://www.kaiserpermanente.org/.

• Medica

Medica requires the ASMBS BSCOE designation for participation in their bariatric surgery network and inclusion in their COE program. Serving about 1.4 million members, Medica is a health insurance company headquartered in Minneapolis and active in the Upper Midwest. The non-profit company provides health care coverage in the employer, individual, Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Part D markets in Minnesota and a growing number of counties in North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Medica also offers national network coverage to employers who also have employees outside the Medica regional network. For more information, go to http://member.medica.com/C16/CentersOfExcellence/default.aspx.

• Medical Mutual of Ohio

The ASMBS BSCOE designation is required for participation in the Medical Mutual of Ohio bariatric surgery network. Founded in 1934, Medical Mutual of Ohio is the oldest and largest health insurance company based in Ohio. The company serves its customers through high-quality, affordable group and personal health insurance plans, and third-party administrative services to self-insured group customers. For more information, visit the company's award-winning Web site at http://www.medmutual.com/default.aspx.

• OptumHealth

OptumHealth requires the ASMBS BSCOE designation for inclusion in the COE network. OptumHealth, headquartered in Golden Valley, Minn., is one of the nation's largest health and wellness companies, working with employers, health plans and governments to serve 60 million individuals across the nation. For more information about its Bariatric Resource Services, go to http://www.optumhealth.com/content/Files/OH_BariatricResourceServices.pdf.

• WPS Health Insurance

The ASMBS BSCOE designation is required for participation in the WPS bariatric surgery network. WPS Health Insurance is a not-for-profit company that has been providing health and benefit plan administration throughout Wisconsin for more than 60 years. For more information, go to www.wpsic.com.

Numerous organizations that measure, evaluate or highlight health care quality support the ASMBS BSCOE program and award special recognition for the ASMBS BSCOE designation. Click on the names below to learn more the recognition awarded to BSCOEs:

• The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission recognizes ASMBS BSCOE hospital designees by awarding a “Merit Badge” under the “Special Quality Awards“ category on their Quality Check™ Web site listing health care organizations across the nation. The merit badge recognizes achievement by a health care organization that goes above and beyond accreditation. The Joint Commission Quality Check Web site is one tool that patients, health plans, employers and other organizations can use to evaluate quality. For more information on The Joint Commission’s Special Quality Awards, go to http://www.jointcommission.org/QualityCheck/06_glossary.htm#Merit_Badges

• The Leapfrog Group

The Leapfrog Group has added BOLD™ as a national performance measurement entity for bariatric surgery in the 2008 Hospital Quality and Safety Survey. Hospitals that participate in BOLD and submit their data on all bariatric procedures are given a 1/4-credit/circle in the Evidence-Based Hospital Referral (EBHR) section. The Leapfrog Group is a voluntary program aimed at mobilizing employer purchasing power to alert America’s health industry that big leaps in health care safety, quality and customer value will be recognized and rewarded. Among other initiatives, Leapfrog works with its employer members to encourage transparency and easy access to health care information as well as rewards for hospitals that have a proven record of high quality care. Go to www.leapfroggroup.org to view results of their hospital survey.

• YourCity.MD

YourCity.MD is a Web portal company with over 500 city-named Web sites with the top level domain .MD extension. YourCity.MD provides consumers with access to high quality health information to learn about treatments available to them and a comprehensive directory of physicians and facilities in their community that offer the right medical services for them. Their provider listings include training certification and patient satisfaction and testimonials to consumers so that they can find the best physician for them — all for free. For more information, go to YourCity.MD.