Iowa Specialty Hospital Recognized as a Blue Distinction® Center Designation for Bariatric Surgery
Iowa Specialty Hospital has been named a Blue Distinction® Center (BDC) designation for bariatric surgery by Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® through the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. 
This program focuses on improving outcomes and guides patients to hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that meet quality and safety standards for common weight-loss procedures, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. BDC designated facilities have demonstrated expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes, and provide more cost-effective bariatric procedures.
Facilities recognized under the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery program meet Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) objective standards for higher-quality care using objective, evidence-based measures:
On average, BDC designated facilities have 37% fewer total (overall) and 49% fewer severe (life-threatening complications for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy1, and 14% fewer total and 20% fewer severe complications for gastric bypass1 compared to non-MBSAQIP-accredited facilities.
Patients treated at designated facilities benefit from the expertise and advanced practices that lead to quicker recovery times and fewer complications, making a positive difference in their overall health journey.
By meeting these standards, Iowa Specialty Hospital not only highlights its commitment to high-quality health care but also commits to staying at the forefront of advancements in bariatric surgery.
Since 2005, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care at lower costs in areas including bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the quality of care they deliver.
For more information about the program and a complete listing of the designated providers, visit wellmark.com.
All companies and trademarks listed above are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purposes only, and are in no way associated or affiliated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Use of these trademarks does not imply endorsement. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols and Blue Distinction® are registered trademarks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
1 Based on the 2026 BDC for Bariatric Surgery designation Evaluations
About Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a leading health insurance company committed to delivering affordable, dependable and high-quality health care coverage that puts members first. With more than 85 years of experience, Wellmark combines national connections with local expertise to simplify the health care experience. Guided by its mission to make health care better, Wellmark works to empower all Iowans and South Dakotans to live long, healthy lives. Wellmark, Inc., is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Learn more at Wellmark.com.
