Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute, part of Conemaugh Physician Group, has received the Aetna Institute of Quality (IOQ) designation for Bariatric Surgery. This distinction is given to hospitals and surgical centers that meet high standards in clinical performance, patient safety, and outcomes.
The IOQ designation is based on strict criteria including a consistent record of quality care, safety measures, and cost-effectiveness. These facilities are identified to help Aetna members make informed decisions about their medical care.
“This designation is a meaningful acknowledgment of the exceptional care and outcomes our team provides every day,” said D’Arcy Duke, MD, Medical Director of the Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute. “We take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to weight loss and are proud to be a trusted resource for people on their journey to better health.”
The institute offers various services related to weight-loss surgery such as personalized evaluations, nutritional counseling, minimally invasive procedures, and long-term support. The IOQ recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to providing evidence-based and compassionate care.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our program and the dedication of our entire team—our nurse practitioner, bariatric coordinator, nursing and support staff, and myself,” said Dr. Duke. “We are honored to walk beside our patients as they work toward lasting change in their lives.”
Kim Randall from Upper Yoder shared her experience with bariatric surgery at the institute. Weighing over 535 pounds before surgery affected her daily life significantly.
“Weighing that much is so constantly painful,” Kim shared. “Not being able to move around, go to school functions, worrying about the weight capacity of a chair, or having a steering wheel or seatbelt cutting into me… it all added up to continuous pain and agony.”
She followed a seven-month preparation program prior to her gastric bypass surgery in November 2023 and lost nearly 100 pounds beforehand.
“It was either take this difficult but short-term path or continue to live a life of chronic, life-threatening obesity,” Kim said. “My choice was obvious. And Dr. Duke and her team helped make it happen.”
After surgery she now weighs 224 pounds—a total loss of over 300 pounds.
“I’ve shed the equivalent of two people,” she said. “Now I can walk without crying in pain, clean my house, and walk my dog. The pain and suffering are gone. It’s like living in a completely new body—and a completely new life.”
Kim described further changes beyond physical transformation.
“It’s changed my energy, my personality, how I carry myself—everything,” she said. “For so long, life was stressful and painful. Now, it’s wonderful. I can’t put a price tag on it.”
She credited the institute’s staff for their role in her progress.
“They were gentle, compassionate, and kind while helping me face extremely difficult issues. Saying they were amazing isn’t nearly enough. They didn’t just support me—they made this transformation possible.”
Information about the Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute’s program can be found at https://www.conemaugh.org/bariatrics/.
