1. Who makes the decisions at the European Accreditation Council?
The applications are reviewed first by the Accreditation Review Committee and finally by the Scientific Board, a body of experienced bariatric surgeons, most of whom are ex Presidents and also members of the Executive Board of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO).
2. What are the benefits of the Centre of Excellence Program in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery?
The main advantages are as follows:
(a) Ensure patient safety.
(b) Improve the quality of the services offered by both Institutions and Surgeons to the severely obese patients and thereby ensure highly efficient and safe patient treatment.
(c) Advise existing bariatric institutions to upgrade their status to level of excellence (Centre of Excellence Bariatric Institution - COEBI), thus optimising patient outcomes. The aim of establishing IFSO-EC Centres of Excellence is to further improve the quality of comprehensive bariatric management, with increased emphasis on safe, efficient and effective patient care.
(d) A central database that will guide our decisions and respond to challenges by our colleagues, insurance carriers, health care providers, governments and the public.
(e) An invaluable resource for research.
3. What is the relationship between IFSO-EC and EAC-BS?
IFSO-EC is the European Chapter of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Discorders. EAC-BS is the Accreditation Council which handles the procedure of accrediting surgeons and institutions in Europe, Africa, Middle East.
4. Who can apply?
EAC-BS accepts applications from any surgeon and institution practising in Europe, Africa, and Middle East provided that they fulfil the requirements as described in the IFSO Guidelines for Safety, Quality and Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
5. Which are the requirements for Institutional Certification?
6. Which are the requirements for Surgeon's Certification?
7. How long does it take to process applications?
As soon as the applications for both institution and surgeon(s) reach EAC-BS and fees are paid, the Review Committee will examine the documents and then the Scientific Board will either :
(a) approve the application and provide provisional status as Centre of Excellence or
(b) request additional information and place the applicant institution in monitoring status or
(c) deny the application and send a written report to explain the reasons.
The whole process will last approximately 90-120 days.
8. What if my application is rejected? Is there an appeal process?
Yes, in case you have an argument on the result of the evaluation, you can send your objection and all documentation will be once again reviewed by the EAC-BS Scientific Board. Then, your request will be re-evaluated. In case that you have further arguments you may contact IFSO-EC directly.
9. What is the cost of the application process?
Application fees for Provisional status
| Institution |
Surgeon | |
| Provisional Status | 4,000 Euro | 500 Euro |
| Extension (annual fees)* | 3,000 Euro | 500 Euro |
*Extension of provisional status requires payment of the annual extension fees.
Provisional status is valid for up to 2 years.
Payment details will be forwarded after receipt of the application form.
Application fees for Final status
| Final status (annual fees) | Institution | Surgeon(s) |
| 3,000 Euro | 500 Euro |
Site inspection fees
Site inspection fees will be invoiced to the applying institution and will be based on the actual cost (auditor's payment and travel expenses).
10. Who decides what kind of bariatric operations will be performed in a Centre?
All decisions, procedures, preoperative care, and long-term follow-up are the responsibility of the surgeon and/or the multi-disciplinary team caring for these individuals. EAC-BS does not mandate or recommend the type of operation or care provided by surgeons or centres.
11. Who conducts the site inspections?
Site inspections are conducted by specialized and trained auditors (inspectors) who are employees of EAC-BS.
12. Is there training for site inspectors?
Yes. Site inspectors are trained extensively and must conform to strict policies and procedures during site inspections.
13. Does EAC-BS recommend specific bariatric surgeon(s) or Centres to the patients?
EAC-BS does not recommend specific bariatric surgeons or Centres. Please contact the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) or enter their Web site, www.ifso.com, for a list of the members.
14. Does EAC-BS provide statistics and comparisons or any other data to doctors and Centres?
EAC-BS does not release such data.
15. Can a patient report and doctor to EAC-BS?
EAC-BS is a private compliance and research organization, not a policing or licensing agency.
16. Surgeons operating in 2 hospitals
a) When both hospitals are applying to be evaluated by EAC-BS as Centres of Excellence, on-line applications for two institutions will have to be submitted and relevant fees for both institutions will apply. Surgeon(s) operating in both hospitals will pay surgeon’s fees once.
b) In case that the 2nd hospital will not be evaluated as Centre of Excellence, an annual IBAR activation and maintenance fee of 200 Euro will apply. Surgeon(s) will receive access codes in order to include patients operated in this institution. Obviously, both hospitals should meet the IFSO requirements for safe and effective bariatric surgery practice and will be site-visited for verification of the reported patients’ data.
Surgeon(s) coming under one of the above situations are kindly requested to contact the Program Co-ordinator for guidance, before submitting the on-line application form.