The purpose of the site inspection is to verify that the information submitted in an application is accurate, and to substantiate and confirm that the requirements for Full Approval as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence have been met. At the time the site inspection is scheduled, a detailed instruction letter and checklist will be sent to help with preparation for the inspection. The checklist will give details regarding the staff members and materials that will need to be assembled for the site inspectors.

Everything the site inspectors need to see will be included on the checklist; this is not a surprise inspection. Gathering the necessary materials will facilitate a smoother inspection. Failure to provide the necessary materials could result in the termination of the inspection. For most Centers, site inspections will take approximately one day. However, if a Center has multiple surgeons and practices as co-applicants, it may take longer.

The site inspectors will not provide a determination or give advice during the inspection.

The information collected by the site inspectors is submitted to the Bariatric Surgery Review Committee (BSRC) for evaluation. Based upon the site inspection findings and the information provided in the application, the BSRC will make recommendations to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The ASMBS will announce those Centers which it recognizes as Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence. A letter will be mailed informing Centers of the results.

From the date of the site inspection until the center is notified, the process normally takes approximately 90 days. If issues arise during the site inspection that require additional information to be obtained, this could lengthen the review process.