Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside is the only hospital in the Chattahoochee Valley area to be named a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross Blue Shield for its metabolic bariatric surgery program.

The designation means all employees with a State Health Benefit Plan can receive bariatric surgery as part of their benefits, regardless of where they live in the region.

“We are honored and excited to receive this recognition for our safe, effective treatment options,” said bariatric surgeon Ken Copperwheat, D.O. “All employees with a State Health Benefit Plan, regardless of if they live in Auburn, Columbus, Eufaula, LaGrange or somewhere in between, can receive bariatric surgery as part of their benefits because of Piedmont achieving this distinction.”

Read more at WTVM9.