2. There are a variety of laser spine facilities throughout the
country and the world that offer endoscopic spine procedures
for patients with conditions like herniated discs, spinal
stenosis, and spinal osteoarthritis. However, if you have made
the decision to undergo this type of surgery, you should know
that not all surgical facilities are the same. Not only do they
offer different levels of patient care, but they also staff
doctors with different specialties and levels of experience.
Whether you are choosing a surgeon based on the facility, or
you have selected a surgeon who performs surgery at a
particular center, doing your research, visiting the facility, and
making sure you feel comfortable in the environment could be
essential elements of your surgical experience and recovery.
3. What to Look For
There are a variety of factors to keep in mind when evaluating laser spine facilities. Nearly all
laser spine surgeries will be outpatient procedures, so they will likely take place at ambulatory
surgery centers. Make sure that the facilities you evaluate are accredited by the AAAHC
(Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care). This ensures that the surgery center
upholds a set of standards for quality patient care put forth by a non-biased, non-profit
evaluation committee. Below are some other factors to consider during your research:
• Location – How far are you willing to travel to reach a laser spine facility? Does the facility
offer services, like a shuttle, for patients who are traveling from out of town and staying at
a hotel?
• Patient service – How are you treated when you call or visit the surgery center? Is the staff
generally welcoming and informative? Are they willing to give you a tour?
• Size – How large is the surgery center? What is the average doctor-to-patient ratio? How
many laser spine surgeries are performed in the facility each year?
• Recommendations – Does the facility come recommended by family members or friends?
Are there any patient reviews of the facility that provide useful information?
4. Getting to Know the Doctors
Evaluating spine surgeons is as important as, if not more important
than, evaluating laser spine facilities. You should choose a surgeon
based on several factors, including how much experience the doctor
has performing surgery on your particular type of condition, as well as
the doctor’s credentials. Patient references, word of mouth, and
bedside manner are also important considerations when choosing
someone to perform your spine surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask the
doctor for a list of patient references, board certifications, and other
qualifications. Additionally, meet with your physician prior to the day
of surgery. This may seem like a matter of course, but some laser spine
facilities have nurses, physician’s assistants, and medical assistants that
take care of most pre-operative consultations, so make sure they know
that you expect to meet the surgeon at one of these consultations.
5. Conditions Treated
Find out what types of surgeries
are performed at the laser spine
facilities that you’re evaluating.
You want to be sure that
everyone at the facility, from
the surgeons to the staff, is
experienced in the pre-operative, operative,
and post-operative considerations for your
particular condition.
6. Talking to Other Patients
Even the most impressive certifications and
credentials should not outweigh real patient
experiences when you are evaluating laser spine
facilities. The facility can probably provide you
with a list of patient references, but looking
online may give you more access to unbiased
reviews. You may even get a feel for how
satisfied the patients are just by visiting the
facility and taking a tour.
