Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute Earns Aetna Institute of Quality® Designation for Bariatric Surgery

Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute, part of Conemaugh Physician Group, has been designated an Aetna Institute of Quality® (IOQ) for Bariatric Surgery—an honor reserved for facilities that demonstrate excellence in clinical performance, patient safety, and outcomes.

The Institute of Quality distinction is awarded to hospitals and surgical centers that consistently deliver high-value care. Selected based on rigorous criteria, these facilities must demonstrate a proven track record of quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness, helping Aetna members make informed decisions about their 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 Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute offers a full continuum of care for individuals pursuing weight-loss surgery—from personalized evaluations and nutritional counseling to minimally invasive procedures and long-term support. The Aetna IOQ designation reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based, 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.”

One such patient, Kim Randall, a 34-year-old from Upper Yoder, knows firsthand the transformative impact of bariatric surgery.

Weighing over 535 pounds, Kim found everyday life physically and emotionally painful. Even simple outings with her six-year-old son became impossible.

“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.”

Determined to reclaim her life, Kim committed to a comprehensive weight-loss plan with the team at the Institute. In preparation for her gastric bypass surgery in November 2023, she followed a strict seven-month program, losing 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.”

Today, Kim weighs 224 pounds—a total weight 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.”

But for Kim, the transformation has gone far beyond the physical.

“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.”

Reflecting on her experience, Kim credits the team’s compassion and support as essential to her success.

“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.”

To learn more about the Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute and its nationally recognized program, visit Conemaugh.org/Bariatrics.