Salem Spine Center has earned The Joint Commission’s accreditation as a Center of Excellence for spine surgery.

Salem Spine Center was awarded the gold standard in spine care by demonstrating compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety.

The Joint Commission performed a rigorous review of Salem Spine Center, evaluating the center for compliance in meeting or exceeding standards of care specific to the needs of the patient, including following established national standards, making decisions based on medical evidence, and constantly measuring and improving performance.

"I applaud the entire Salem Spine Center team, the neurosurgical team, and all the wonderful Salem Health medical professionals and community providers key to achieving the Salem Spine Center’s success,” said Maurice Collada Jr., MD, neurosurgeon and medical director for Salem Spine Center. “We have an unprecedented comprehensive continuum of care for spine patients and are a role model nationally. The Joint Commission found no standard issues, absolutely none, which is rare and very exciting!”

Salem Spine Center helps about 200 patients a month navigate their spine care. Intake specialists work with the patient to gather their medical history for spine specialist review. Following the spine specialist recommendation, nurse navigators help patients get the surgical or non-surgical treatment they need, as well as provide patient education information, classes and support.

“We started the program five years ago working toward this accreditation,” said Dr. Collada.  “I can’t overstate the importance of the collaboration among spine specialists, community providers and the hospital, and how unique it is to have that happen. Patients are the true focus and beneficiaries of this accreditation.”

Listed in Becker’s 2012 Hospital Review publication: “101 Hospitals With Great Spine and Neurosurgery Programs,” Salem Spine Center also was recognized for being a Blue Distinction Center of Excellence for Spine Surgery as well as for its patient guidance program.

Salem Health is comprised of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org and facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.