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Contact: Kristi Gooden, 615/284-5446, kristi.gooden@baptisthospital.com

BAPTIST HOSPITAL METABOLIC SURGERY CENTER NAMED BLUE DISTINCTION CENTER FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Ð Dec. XX, 2009 - The Metabolic Surgery Center at Baptist Hospital has been recertified as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

The Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery is awarded to medical facilities that have demonstrated their commitment to quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for bariatric patients. Each facility meets stringent clinical criteria, developed in collaboration with expert physician panels and national medical societies, including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Surgical Review Corporation, and is subject to periodic reevaluation as criteria continue to evolve.

Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery provide a full range of bariatric surgery care services, including inpatient care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education.

Baptist Hospital was first certified as one of more than 200 Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery across the country in April 2008. It is also recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Cigna and United Resource Networks.

The Metabolic Surgery Center at Baptist Hospital is one of the most comprehensive weight loss surgery programs in the country, providing patients with proven open and laparoscopic surgical options, such as Lap-Band, gastric bypass and duodenal switch, which correct metabolic deficiencies. A staff of surgeons, nurses, dieticians, exercise physiologists, psychologists and insurance specialist are there to guide all patients through all levels of care, including post surgery. The Metabolic Surgery Center is also recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, United Resource Networks and Cigna.

For more information about the Metabolic Surgery Center, call (615) 284-2400 or visit www.baptistweightloss.com.

Baptist Hospital is a member of Saint Thomas Health Services, a faith-based ministry with more than 6,500 associates serving Middle Tennessee. Saint Thomas Health ServicesÕ regional health system consists of four hospitals Ð Baptist and Saint Thomas Hospitals in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville Ð and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures in diagnostics, cardiac services and ambulatory surgery as well as medical practices, the Center for Spinal Surgery, clinics and rehabilitation facilities. STHS is a member of Ascension Health, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information visit www.baptisthospital.com or www.sths.com.