Horizon Health staff recently marked a milestone as their bariatric surgery team received national recognition for patient safety and quality of care. The program earned accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a process that took nearly three years to complete.
MBSAQIP-accredited programs are recognized as Comprehensive Centers of Excellence, which means they meet high standards in surgical expertise, patient support, and post-operative care.
Jay Carmichael, President & CEO of Horizon Health, said, “This is a testament to the impressive nature of this organization and the services we offer to our community. We’re doing innovative things and pushing the boundaries of what can be done in a rural community.”
Dr. Yaniv Cozacov, Chief of Surgery at Horizon Health, explained that accreditation has real-world impacts: “Accreditation is more than a title. It translates into healthier patients, reversed diseases, and families with healthier futures.” He added, “Our community deserves this. When one hospital does better, it pushes everybody else to do better.”
Bariatric surgeon Dr. Fouad Hachem highlighted the collaborative approach behind the program’s success: “It shows people that obesity is a disease – much like heart disease. We want to give patients an A+ surgery, and our records demonstrate that.”
Jean McConkey, Bariatric Nurse Coordinator at Horizon Health, noted the significance for local patients: “This accreditation means we are providing patients with the very best care available.”
The Horizon Health Center for Weight Management is notable for being the first bariatric surgery program in the Wabash Valley region and one of only seven accredited centers in downstate Illinois.
The center offers all standard weight-loss surgeries using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques performed through small incisions. This method generally leads to less pain after surgery, quicker recovery times, minimal scarring, and allows most patients to return to work within one week. Patients also receive lifelong support throughout their weight loss journey.
Consultations with bariatric surgeons can be scheduled by calling 217-466-4868 or visiting MyHorizonHealth.org/Bariatrics.
