PHOENIX (Aug. 20, 2025) – Banner Health continues to show its commitment to delivering exceptional care to Arizona patients, with two more facilities earning the prestigious "Blue Distinction Center" recognition from BlueCross BlueShield for weight-loss surgery excellence.
Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix and Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert have joined Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix and Banner – University Medical Center Tucson in achieving this status, solidifying Banner Health's position as Arizona's leader in high-quality bariatric program expertise.
This achievement represents nearly half of all Blue Distinction Centers recognized in the Phoenix area, highlighting Banner Health's proven history of delivering superior patient outcomes across its Arizona network. The recognition validates Banner's systematic approach to quality care.
“Earning the Blue Distinction Center designation underscores our commitment to meeting the highest national standards for bariatric surgery. It reflects the strength of our program and our focus on delivering safe, effective treatment options with proven results,” said Dr. Nathaniel Soper, chief of the department of surgery at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix.
Banner Health's success in earning distinctions at multiple facilities reflects the organization's focus on clinical excellence and patient safety. As one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country, Banner Health has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional care while expanding access to specialized services across Arizona and the broader western region.
“Behind this recognition is a team of physicians, nurses, and staff who bring expertise and compassion to every patient’s journey. From the first consultation through long-term follow-up, they work together to ensure each person receives exceptional care and support,” said Dr. Soper.
Banner Health’s weight-loss surgery program shows this commitment through comprehensive, nationally accredited care designed for long-term success and improved quality of life. Banner's team approach includes surgeons, obesity medicine specialists, behavioral health experts, nurses and dietitians who provide personalized support throughout every phase of treatment. Patients begin with a free online informational seminar to learn about eligibility, available procedures and health benefits, followed by access to a full range of surgical options — from sleeve gastrectomy to gastric bypass, duodenal switch to revisional surgery and adolescent weight-loss surgery — all offered with minimally invasive techniques.
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care, and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.
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