Methodist Physicians Clinic bariatric surgery program in Omaha recognized for high-quality care through Blue Distinction® Centers+
Published: Aug. 13, 2026
The Methodist Physicians Clinic bariatric surgery program in Omaha is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska with a Blue Distinction Center+ (BDC+) designation under the Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery program.
This program focuses on improving outcomes and guides adult and adolescent members to hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that meet quality and safety standards for common weight-loss procedures, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. BDC+ designated facilities have demonstrated expertise in patient safety and deliver better health outcomes.
By meeting these criteria, the Methodist Physicians Clinic bariatric surgery program in Omaha demonstrated a strong commitment to higher-quality care and remains at the forefront of bariatric surgery advancement.
"We are deeply honored to receive the Blue Distinction Center designation for Bariatric Surgery,” said Ali Hunter, APRN, NTP, program coordinator for the Methodist Physicians Clinic bariatric surgery program in Omaha. “This recognition reflects our team's commitment to clinical excellence and safe, patient-centered care. Partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield allows us to provide patients with clear, measurable proof of high-quality outcomes, giving them the ultimate confidence in their health journey."
To receive this designation, facilities must participate in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s BlueCard Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network and must be accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). MBSAQIP sets rigorous safety and quality standards, requires facilities to track outcomes over time, and confirms the expertise needed to perform weight-loss surgery safely.
“The Blue Distinction program gives members confidence that they are choosing facilities that have met rigorous, evidence-based standards for quality, safety and patient outcomes,” said Dr. Amy Helwig, chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. “We congratulate the Methodist Physicians Clinic bariatric surgery program in Omaha on earning this designation and commend its commitment to helping patients receive high-quality care as they take important steps toward improved health.”
Members treated at designated facilities benefit from specialized expertise and advanced practices that lead to improved recovery times and reduced complications, enhancing their overall health journey.
While bariatric surgery can be an important step toward better health, long-term outcomes also depend on healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, behavioral support, and close collaboration with specialists to help members adhere to recommended treatments and medications.
More information about the Blue Distinction program and a complete listing of the designated providers can be found here.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield system, a national association of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated companies. Blue Cross and Blue Shield represents the nation’s largest and most experienced health insurance brands, collectively covering one in three Americans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has been providing security and peace of mind to its members since 1939.
Learn more about BCBSNE at NebraskaBlue.com.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.
About Blue Distinction Centers
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for noncovered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.
