CMC’s Weight Loss Program achieves Aetna quality designation

Conway Medical Center’s Weight Loss Program has been recognized by the Aetna Institutes of Quality (IOQ). To achieve this status, the center had to meet measures of clinical quality, contract requirements, cost efficiency, and access to bariatric surgery services.

“We are honored to receive this special distinction from Aetna,” said Zaher Nuwayhid, MD, Medical Director, CMC Weight Loss Program. “At CMC, we’ve built a higher standard of care that ensures every one of our patients has the safest, quality patient experience. We are the premier weight loss program in Myrtle Beach and Florence and our patients can expect top-notch care, service, and support and we help them achieve their weight loss goals.”

This is not the first time that CMC’s Weight Loss Program has received recognition.  In addition to being named as one of Aetna’s Institutes of Quality, the program is also designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery® by BlueCross and BlueShield and accredited by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as an MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) comprehensive center for meeting the highest standards of patient safety and quality of care. 

These organizations have a strict set of standards that must be met before a hospital can receive these distinct seals of approval. Their rigorous review process helps ensure hospitals have all components in place to produce the best outcomes for patients. This includes:

•         Staff specially trained to treat morbidly obese patients, including the surgeon, nurses, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and nutritionists.
•         Specialized equipment and accommodations (such as patient rooms with enlarged doorways and bathrooms) that help provide a safe and comfortable hospital stay.
•         Most importantly, patient experiences and outcomes are evaluated and must also meet a high standard.
•         Our accreditation and additional designations reflect our commitment and ability to provide high-quality bariatric care

“I’m really proud of our Weight Loss team’s dedication to patient care, and our unwavering commitment to assisting people with their long-term weight-loss goals.,” said Dr. Nuwayhid. “Many of these patients find relief from serious medical conditions after losing weight, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease. It’s a team effort that makes those medical achievements possible for our patients.”

CMC’s Surgical Weight Loss Program offers two surgical procedures including Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy and offers robotic surgery as a surgical option. Using these procedures in conjunction with non-invasive medical weight loss measures, informational seminars, support groups, nutritional counseling, and exercise including our Walking Club and free bariatric exercise program, patients are supported throughout their weight-loss journey.