MBSAQIP Operations Manual Updates: Prepare for January 2026 Changes
The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program has released important updates effective January 1, 2026. Here's what you need to know and how to prepare.
Key Changes
NEW Data Collection:
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (preprocedural risk factor)
Weight Loss Promoting Medications (GLP-1s and non-GLP-1s) - both preoperative and at long-term follow-up
New CPT codes for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe)
UPDATED Variables:
Immunosuppressive Therapy (new medications added)
Liver Disease (now includes MASLD and MASH terminology)
Previous Foregut Surgery (guidance added for gastric pacemakers)
Pneumonia (now uses infection window criteria like sepsis)
Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists can now perform long-term follow-up assessments
RETIRED Variables:
IVC Filter placement
Drain placement during surgery
Clinical Implications
Enhanced Patient Care:
Better risk stratification with Type 1 DM tracking
Understanding combined medical-surgical weight loss approaches through GLP-1 data
Improved follow-up rates with expanded provider eligibility
Quality Metrics:
More focused data collection on clinically relevant factors
Contemporary disease terminology alignment
Standardized infection tracking across multiple outcomes
How to Prepare Your Program
Immediate Actions (Complete by December 31, 2025):
Train data abstraction team on all variable changes
Update data collection forms and workflows
Review Chapter 4 and relevant appendices in detail
Update internal documentation and worksheets
EHR and Documentation Updates:
Modify intake forms to capture Type 1 DM
Add GLP-1 and weight loss medication fields to preoperative assessment
Update long-term follow-up templates
Remove retired variables from standard templates
Team Coordination:
Meet with Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists about follow-up assessment roles
Coordinate with pharmacy to track weight loss medications
Update endocrinology consultation templates for Type 1 DM
Train clinical staff on MASLD/MASH terminology
Process Review:
Establish workflow for documenting weight loss medications at all time points
Define protocols for RD/RN-led follow-up assessments
Update quality dashboards to reflect new metrics
Schedule post-implementation audit for February 2026
Bottom Line
These updates reflect evolving clinical practice and will provide valuable insights into contemporary bariatric care. Programs that prepare now will ensure smooth implementation and maintain data quality from day one.
Is your program ready for January 1st? Contact us at info@clarityqcr.com to learn more.
#BariatricSurgery #MBSAQIP #QualityImprovement #PatientCare #HealthcareQuality
