Is D.I.S.C. different than an outpatient surgery center or a hospital?

1. It is part of a fully integrated medical group that is staffed by its own surgical team, offering a full compliment of services including diagnostics, conservative care, pain management and rehabilitation. This is the home base for our doctors and staff, who are able to develop strong working relationships with trusted colleagues.  Most importantly, all our anesthesiologists are medical doctors. To read more about one patient’s experience with the D.I.S.C. surgery center click here (link to Kay Ball’s article).
2. It was custom designed with three world-class state-of-the-art digital operating rooms utilizing the latest technology and are widely considered to be among the best in the country.  They were specifically created to provide for an efficient flow in all aspects of its functionality benefitting both the surgeon and patient safety.  Our surgery center offers a higher standard of care than is traditionally available in a traditional hospital.
3. The surgery center at D.I.S.C. takes a very aggressive approach to eliminate the risk of infection, which is a major concern for any patient undergoing any procedure.  D.I.S.C. is very proud that after 18 months of operation and more than 1,200 procedures we are “Infection Free.”  Without question, D.I.S.C. is setting a new standard nationally with its unprecedented protocols and procedures.  Chief among them is the $750,000 environmental air conditioning system throughout the center.  The three ultra clean operating rooms have individual true 99.71% efficient HEPA filters to further eliminate any comingling of bacteria. With 30 air exchanges/per hour this filter exceeds the industry standard.  As an added level of protection, D.I.S.C. recently installed UVC Emitters (ultraviolet) to all critical area air moving units to destroy incoming airborne germs, bacteria and microorganisms including the highly-lethal anthrax.  This level of protection is unmatched in a medical facility and is the same type of system used by the CDC. Additionally, very stringent rules and policies are in effect in regards to basic hygiene, such a hand washing, patient contact, outside clothing and use of catheters.  To read more Click Here (link to infection press release)
4. The level of care offered by our nursing staff is far superior to any outpatient or inpatient facility and offers an ICU-level of care throughout a patient’s brief stay.  Generally we offer a one-to-one nurse to patient ratio and never more than two patients per nurse.  Our nursing staff is highly-trained in spine and orthopedic procedures, many with 10-20 plus years experience.  To date, not one major nursing error has been reported.

I thought back surgeries were a big deal and had to be done in a hospital?

With the technological advances that are taking place in this highly-specialized field, many procedures that once were considered major operations are now being done with minimally invasive techniques.  Using an ultra high-powered microscope that allows the surgeon to view the affected area through a smaller incision these types of procedures reduce the trauma to the surrounding tissues, result in less blood loss, reduced pain and faster recovery times.  Dr. Robert S. Bray, the founding director and CEO of D.I.S.C. is one of the chief pioneers in this field, having performed more than 9,000 micro procedures in his 27-year-career.  To read more about the advances in spine surgery (click here – link to revolution article).

What is meant by outpatient and can’t outpatient procedures be done in hospital?

Outpatient procedures are determined by the length of stay needed by a patient following their procedure.  By law, a patient cannot stay more than 23 hours in an outpatient facility, whether it is at D.I.S.C. or another surgery center.  At D.I.S.C., we are able to provide for overnight stays for some patients, who need a little extra time to recuperate prior to discharge in the morning.  Outpatient procedures, for patients that may have extenuating health conditions may be performed in a hospital setting for additional safety reasons.  However, any procedure at a hospital whether it is considered outpatient or inpatient with a one-night or longer stay, will still have the additional risks of infection that are not associated with D.I.S.C.

If I have to stay overnight what happens? 
We have private patient rooms for overnight stays that are literally steps away from the nurse’s station.  They are equipped with flat screen TVs and satellite service, full hospital beds with eight inch cushions and plush blankets that patients may take home with them. Most importantly, the same skilled nurses that attend to patients during the day are on staff overnight.  In most instances it is one nurse for each patient and never more than two patients per nurse.  Additionally, our doctors are available 24 hours a day should a problem arise.

What happens after my surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you and your family or designated care-giver will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your wound, proper pain management protocols and all necessary bracing or stabilization devices, that can be easily fitted prior to surgery with our partner VQ Ortho Care, located across the hall.  Our staff works with the entire family to ensure a smooth transition from the doctor’s office, to the surgery center and back to the doctor’s office for post-operative care.

What is a digital operating room?
Through a partnership with Smith &Nephew, a global leader in advanced medical devices, endoscopy and technology, D.I.S.C. developed a prototypical operating room for the future that provides for a centralized flow of information that can be immediately accessed by the surgeon and the staff.  With the touch of a button the surgical team can optimize equipment, control multimedia and configure the room to the specific desires of a particular surgeon. This allows for more efficiency in the OR, less time for procedures and better patient care. 

Is my privacy protected?
Absolutely yes.  We adhere to the strictest of HIPPA policies.  Every patient’s information is valuable and we take very proactive measures to secure these records protecting our patients’ privacy at all times.