Partners in Care – BMI’s Relationship With St. Vincent’s Hospital

Choosing where to have surgery, especially for weight loss, is a major decision that requires a lot of research and consideration. You want to know that your safety and comfort will be prioritized. With 63% of all bariatric procedures in the United States performed in outpatient settings, you may think that you do not need the resources of a hospital in this situation.  However, choosing a bariatric surgical center with a connection to a hospital can provide peace of mind, knowing you have extra support in an emergency situation. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is proud to have such a partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL. Below, we highlight the numerous benefits this relationship provides to our patients.

Benefits of Choosing a Surgical Center Connected to a Hospital

Along with additional support in the event of an emergency, choosing a bariatric surgical center connected to a hospital offers a variety of benefits, which we discuss below. Please note that your personal risks and benefits may vary. Your surgeon will discuss these with you as part of your initial consultation for your procedure. 

1. Education & Training

To better serve our patients, the team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery participates in ongoing education on various weight loss procedures and topics. Much of this education has come from our relationship with St. Vincent’s Hospital. This has allowed us to offer seminars to other providers to help them better understand the needs of patients seeking bariatric care.  Our partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital has also allowed us to provide educational programming and informative resources, such as online nutrition classes and support groups, to our current and prospective patients in Birmingham, AL. By providing educational resources on weight-related topics, we empower patients to make more well-informed decisions regarding their care.

2. More Customized Care

Each patient is unique, so we customize their care to meet their needs. Each procedure starts with an initial consultation, where we discuss the patient’s desired outcome. Then, we create a care plan based on this conversation. Sometimes, that involves the support of partners outside of our surgical center. In the case of patients with extremely high BMIs or those who require more invasive procedures, like revisional weight loss surgery, we recommend they have their surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital. However, we will continue to support the patient by providing any necessary referrals and follow-up appointments. 

3. Emergency Assistance

Like with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery comes with a risk of complications. While most procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, a partnership with a hospital can provide peace of mind. Often, these complications require support beyond what is available at the surgical center.  In the event of an emergency, a patient can be easily transferred to a hospital for additional care. Most patients do not experience these issues during bariatric surgery, though your individual risks may vary. Your surgeon can discuss these with you at your initial consultation before your procedure.

4. Increased Affordability

While some insurance policies cover bariatric surgery, many do not, which can make accessing this type of care costly. Through hospital partnerships, bariatric surgical centers like BMI can negotiate more affordable rates for their patients.  This is how BMI is able to offer one of the lowest prices for a gastric sleeve in the United States. We also offer financing options for patients who qualify. If you are in need of such assistance, please inquire about it at your initial consultation. 

5. Consistent Care

Many hospitals have primary care clinics that can refer patients to surgical centers like BMI for bariatric treatment. Through a relationship with one of these hospitals, surgical centers can easily access patient records to provide more consistent care.  Primary care physicians also have easier access to their patients’ records from the surgical center, allowing them to provide the necessary follow-up care. This saves patients the time and hassle of obtaining records and sharing them with providers. 

Find the Right Bariatric Surgical Center in Alabama

The decision to have weight loss surgery should not be taken lightly. This includes the choice of where to have the procedure done. Choosing a bariatric surgical center that partners with a local hospital, like Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, offers a variety of benefits. To learn more about our bariatric surgical center and its partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Learn More About BMI’s Partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital

Finding the right bariatric surgical center to help you reach your weight loss goals can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery’s partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital provides you with the options you need for your bariatric treatment. Contact us to learn more about this partnership or any of the procedures we offer at (205) 858-1211.