What is an ASC?

What types of surgeries are preformed at ASCs?

Why choose an ASC?

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

How is the Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center different from a hospital?

How does Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center reduce risk of infection?

What care is provided by the nursing staff?

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

If I have to stay what happens?

What happens after my surgery?

What is a digital operating room?

Is my privacy protected?

What is an Advanced Directive

What is Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Centers policy regarding Advanced directives?

Is there more than one kind of Advanced Directive?

Where can I get an Advance Directive?

What is an ASC?

ASC is the acronym for Ambulatory Surgery Center, which is a facility for patient surgeries that do not require a hospital stay. An ASC is a health care facility that meets very strict guidelines for care in providing surgical services in an outpatient setting.

At the Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center we have three state-of-the-art Digital Operating rooms and have undergone a rigorous certification process through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), who is the preeminent leader in developing standards to advance and promote patient safety, quality and value for ambulatory health care.

Our surgical center demonstrates its quality through accreditation to the standards as required by Medicare (CMS).

What types of surgeries are preformed at ASCs?

ASCs offer different types of surgeries depending on their surgeons areas of expertise. At the Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center, our surgeons specialize in spine and orthopedic surgeries as well as pain management procedures.

The orthopedic and spinal surgeries are conducted by use of minimally invasive and advanced arthroscopic and endoscopic techniques where possible.

Why choose an ASC?

Current technology and surgical expertise now allows many surgeries to be done at an ASC. By choosing to have your procedure done at the Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center, you can benefit from the technology, surgical expertise and personal care which combine to create an environmental that results in a better experience and a quicker recovery for you as a patient. Our Surgical Center is on the leading edge of technology, utilizing some of the most current innovations with the least invasive surgical techniques, allowing patients to return to their normal lifestyle sooner.

Because of our intimate environment, we offer you a very personal surgical experience. Our patients are welcomed for surgery in entirely HEPA filtered surgical suites which reduces their risk of infection and assures a quicker recovery. The patient is admitted for surgery, cared for and prepared for the scheduled surgery efficiently and thoughtfully by our specialized team of staff.

Once surgery is complete; our recovery rooms allow the patient to fully and quickly recover from their surgery in a private environment, often returning home within hours of their surgery. We are proud of our 99% patient satisfaction rating for our surgical center and the care we provide.

What is meant by outpatient and cant 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 within that 23 hour window, for those 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

How is the Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center different from a hospital?

Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center was custom designed with three world-class state-of-the-art digital operating rooms utilizing the latest technology and is 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 surgical center offers a higher standard of care than is traditionally available in a hospital setting. The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques reduces the length of stay required to undergo major spinal and orthopedic surgeries and speeds recovery. Any procedure at a hospital whether it is considered outpatient or inpatient with a one-night or longer stay, will have the additional risks of infection.

How does the Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center reduce risk of infection?

Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center takes a very aggressive approach to eliminating the risk of infection, which is a major concern for any patient undergoing any procedure. Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center is very proud that after nearly three years of operation our infection rate is less than 1%, well below the national average of 3-4%. Without question, Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center is setting a new standard nationally with its unprecedented protocols and procedures. Chief among them is the incredibly high standards and policies that the staff and physicians treating patients abide by.

In addition all due care and attention was paid to the priority of patient care in the design of the surgical center, including investing in a $750,000 environmental air conditioning system throughout the center. This means that the three ultra clean operating rooms have individual true 99.71% efficient HEPA filters to further eliminate any comingling of bacteria. These filters exceed the industry standard, and as an added level of protection, Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center recently installed UVC Emitters (ultraviolet) to all critical area air moving units to destroy incoming airborne germs, bacteria and microorganisms. 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.

What care is provided by the nursing staff?

The level of care offered by our nursing staff is extraordinary and offers an ICU-level of care throughout a patients brief stay. Generally the ratio never exceeds two patients per nurse. Our nursing staff is all ACLS certified and highly-trained in spine and orthopedic procedures, many with 10-20 plus years experience.

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 nearly 10,000 microsurgical procedures in his 30-year-career.

If I have to stay overnight what happens?
We have private patient rooms for overnight stays that are literally steps away from the nurses 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.

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 doctors office, to the surgery center and back to the doctors 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 patients information is valuable and we take very proactive measures to secure these records protecting our patients privacy at all times.

What is an Advanced Directive?
An "Advance directive" is a general term that refers to your oral and written instructions about your future medical care, in the event that you become unable to speak for yourself. Each state regulates the use of advance directives differently. There are two types of advance directives: a living will and a medical power of attorney. These forms express your wishes regarding donation of organs and the designation of your primary physician. You may complete or modify all or any part of it and are free to use a different form.

What is Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Centers policy regarding Advanced Directives?

The majority of procedures performed at the Surgery Center are considered to be of minimal risk. Of course, no surgery is without risk. You and your surgeon will have Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center used the specifics of your procedure and the risks associated with your procedure, the expected recovery and the care after your surgery. It is the policy of the Surgery Center, regardless of the contents of any advance directive or instructions from a health care surrogate or attorney in fact, that if an adverse event occurs during your treatment at the Surgery Center, the personnel at the Surgery Center will initiate resuscitative or other stabilizing measures and transfer you to an acute care hospital for further evaluation. At the acute care hospital further treatment or withdrawal of treatment measures already begun will be ordered in accordance with your wishes, advance directive, or health care power of attorney.

Is there more than one kind of Advanced Directive?
Traditionally, there are two main kinds of advance directives: the living will and the Medical Power of Attorney for Health Care. California also allows the use of a POLST (Physician's Orders For Life-Sustaining Treatment). An advance directive allows you to express your personal wishes and is based upon your own beliefs and values.

Where can I get an Advance Directive?

If you would like a copy of the official State advance directive forms, visit (click here link to AD forms). Advance Directive (English) or Advance Directive (Spanish)

You may also download the form below:

(click here link to pdf). California Advance Healthcare Directive-English & Spanish