Four Hospitals Receive Award for High Quality Bariatric Surgery
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, Harlem, Jacobi | North Central Bronx, and Woodhull were recognized as Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery
Nov 04, 2026
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that four of its hospitals were recognized as 2026 Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery. NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem and Woodhull received the award for the first time, joining NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and Jacobi | North Central Bronx on the list. Awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield, the recognition denotes safe and effective delivery of high quality bariatric care. All four sites are accredited by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), ensuring strict safety, quality tracking and clinical standards. Blue Distinction Centers have lower complication rates, in terms of 30-day readmissions following surgery and repeat operations, and fewer surgical site infections. These facilities have met specific cost-of-care measures achieving on average 25% cost savings for bariatric procedures compared to non-designated facilities. These centers provide full-spectrum bariatric services, including pre-operative education, surgical care, post-operative care, and long-term outpatient follow up support.
Bariatric surgery can improve the health and quality of life for individuals managing obesity. The bariatric surgery program at NYC Health + Hospitals offers a range of advanced procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, robotic-assisted surgeries, and endoscopic options. The program also addresses obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, helping patients improve their overall health and well-being.
“Blue distinction centers for bariatric surgery are nationally designated healthcare facilities that deliver higher-quality care, lower complication rates and better overall patient outcomes,” said Manish Parikh, MD, System Chief of Perioperative Services at NYC Health + Hospitals and Director of Bariatric Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.
“We are so proud that our hospitals were recognized for excellent bariatric surgical care,” said Sewit Teckie, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Clinical Affairs and Business Strategy at NYC Health + Hospitals. “Bariatric surgery improves quality of life and reduces the burden of many chronic diseases. We are committed to offering this high-quality service to our patient population.”
“Every patient deserves the opportunity to pursue better health with a team that believes in their future,” said Sandra Sneed, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “Woodhull Hospital’s first Blue Distinction Center designation for Bariatric Surgery honors our team’s commitment to providing expert, compassionate care and supporting patients throughout their journey. We are proud to help our patients move toward healthier lives and the everyday moments that matter most to them.”
“We are very proud of Woodhull’s metabolic and bariatric surgery program, under the steady leadership of Dr. Javier Andrade,” said Ross MacDonald, MD, Chief Medical Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “This recognition is further testament to the safety and quality of the program and will help us reach more patients and reduce obesity-related health risks.”
“Our continued advancement in caring for our community has earned us Blue Distinction Center recognition, reflecting the quality and excellence of the care we provide,” said Stephan Shaw, Chief Financial/Growth Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “We remain deeply committed to ensuring that Central Brooklyn continues to have access to world-class healthcare that meets the needs of the people and communities we proudly serve.”
“We are thrilled to announce that our weight-loss surgery program has earned the prestigious Blue Distinction Center designation for bariatric surgery!” said Dr. Javier Andrade, Chair of Surgery, Chief of Perioperative Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “This honor highlights our continuous focus on rigorous national safety standards and exceptional clinical quality. We share this achievement with our incredible staff and the patients who trust us to guide them safely through every step of their health journey.”
“Congratulations to the NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Bariatric Surgery team on being recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Chief Executive Officer Georges H. Leconte, MPA, FAB. “This recognition is a testament to their dedication, clinical expertise and commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered bariatric care in the heart of the Harlem community. Patients place tremendous trust in the hands of the multidisciplinary team when choosing bariatric surgery. The team honors that trust through compassionate, personalized support at every stage of the weight-loss journey.”
“This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality bariatric care that helps patients improve their health and quality of life,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Eric Wei, MD, MBA. “Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing step toward feeling better and managing chronic health conditions. We want every patient to know they have a team behind them, offering expert care, encouragement, and support throughout their journey.”
“We are incredibly proud to receive this honor for a service that has changed so many lives for over 20 years,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx CEO Christopher Mastromano. “Thank you to the surgery department and bariatric team for your dedication to supporting healthy weight management for our patients and the community.”
Patients may be eligible for bariatric surgery if they are 100 pounds or more above their ideal body weight, have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or have a BMI over 35 in conjunction with other medical conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. Patients may also be eligible if they’ve had a previous weight-loss procedure that requires revision. A multidisciplinary team of experts will work with patients to also consider holistic methods and other weight loss options geared to individual patients.
Patients interested in bariatric surgery should speak with their primary care provider to see if they are eligible.
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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth —all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.