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It
has been a long hard road but ADVANCED AMBULATORY SURGERY
CENTER has finally arrived. What started out as a dream
several years ago as of September has become a reality.
The physicians from Arrowhead Orthopedics put a lot
of hard work, time and money into this project. They
personally chose the staff for their high levels of
excellence. The result is, without a doubt, the finest
surgery center in the area. |
| Back
in June when we finally received our temporary occupancy
permit the real work began. Up until that time we have been
purchasing equipment, negotiating contracts and submitting
applications. Most of June and July were spent setting up
the equipment, doing in-services and credentialing the physicians
and staff. |
Due
to the financial status of the State, the licensure process,
we were told could take from 6 months to a year to complete
so we opted for the AAAHC certificate (Accreditation Association
for Ambulatory HealthCare). This certificate along with
the Medicare deemed status would allow us to perform surgery
and more importantly get paid. AAAHC is a highly respected
agency that has extremely rigid criteria and I am proud
to say that we not only passed but we did so with a score
of 100%, zero deficiencies. On the contrary, the inspector
was very impressed with all aspects of the facility. Big
thanks is due to all who made that happen.
| So,
on August 31, 2004 we were officially open for business.
And on September 3rd Dr. James Matiko performed our
first case. Technically, that was not really our first
case. As part of the credentialing process we had to
do a case before the inspector arrived and have one
case while the inspector was here. Dr.
Paul Burton graciously allowed Dr. John Steinmann to
perform a procedure upon him before the inspection and
Wes Golay of Redlands Prosthetic and Orthotic group
allowed |
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Dr. Ronny Ghazal to perform the required inspection case.
That's what I call really giving of yourself to a project.
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The
Center is about 6300 square feet. We have three OR's,
two extra large and one smaller room that will be
mainly used for procedures but, in the event of need,
is fully equipped for surgery. The surgery staff consists
of Rick Nordeck, RNFA Peggy Baittle, RN, Pedro Amaro
and Nancy Vega as our scrub techs. Cora Pelen is the
central supply and instrument processor. Kathy DiStefano
is our director of nursing and all around fill in
wherever she is needed.
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The
PACU consists of 9 beds, 2 pre-op and 7 post-op. The
recovery room nurses are Sheri Naragon, RN, Jennifer
Sheppard, RN and Janice Smith, RN. In addition we
have an excellent list of per diem RN's that would
make any facility jealous. The
Business office is made up of me, Mary McCarty the
Administrator, Lorrie Rodriguez, billing, Cindi Marsteller,
collections and Lori Nation, scheduling and reception.
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We
are currently set up as an orthopedic center with the most
state of the art equipment and technology. We have physicians
from Arrowhead Orthopedics as well as from the surrounding
community currently performing procedures. We have room
to grow and expand our services and plan on exploring all
options in the near future. Investment in the facility is
still a bargain but the cost will soon go up. Feel free
to stop by or call if you have any questions or would like
a tour.
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