Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside named Blue Distinction Center for bariatric surgery

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside is the only hospital in the Chattahoochee Valley area to be named a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross Blue Shield for its metabolic bariatric surgery program.

The designation means all employees with a State Health Benefit Plan can receive bariatric surgery as part of their benefits, regardless of where they live in the region.

“We are honored and excited to receive this recognition for our safe, effective treatment options,” said bariatric surgeon Ken Copperwheat, D.O. “All employees with a State Health Benefit Plan, regardless of if they live in Auburn, Columbus, Eufaula, LaGrange or somewhere in between, can receive bariatric surgery as part of their benefits because of Piedmont achieving this distinction.”

Obesity rates and health risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 100 million adults, over 40%, in the United States are affected by obesity, and that number continues to increase…

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