Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center recognized for expertise in spine surgery
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - Tenet Health Central Coast’s Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center was recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
Facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery demonstrate expertise in cervical and lumbar fusion, cervical laminectomy and lumbar laminectomy or discectomy procedures.
The qualifying hospital must show that they have fewer patient complications and readmissions with these procedures when compared to other hospitals. The facility must maintain national accreditation as well.
“It is important for our communities to know that this designation is earned, and is determined on quality data,” said Mark Lisa, CEO of Tenet Health Central Coast. “This is truly a recognition of the commitment to quality by our doctors, nurses and staff as evidenced through these evaluations of our structures, processes, volume and outcomes.”
Tenet Health said spinal surgeries are one of the most frequent types of elective surgeries in the U.S.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, there were more than 463,000 spinal fusion operations conducted in the U.S. in 2014. This procedure is commonly done in the lumbar region of the lower back to treat back pain.
This designation marks the fourth honor that a Tenet Health Central Coast hospital has received since November.
The others include a Leapfrong Group Grade "A" for Patient Safety, recognition from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and placement on the California Health and Human Services Agency and Cal Hospital Compare Honor Roll for patient safety.
