Name: High Plains Surgery Center, LP (Lubbock, Texas)
Opened: Oct. 2006
Annual case volume: 6,000 cases
Specialties: General surgery, ENT, pain management, plastic and reconstructive surgery, bariatric, neurosurgery and hand surgery
Number of physician-owners/physician-users: 19 physician-owners/47 physician-users
Corporate partner: Laurus Healthcare
What makes it great: High Plains Surgery Center features a center designed collaboratively by physicians and staff members. The center’s 47 credentialed physician-users include the 19 physician-owners, 17 anesthesiologists and 11 other non-owner surgeons on board to deliver patient care.
Chad Southard, administrator of High Plains Surgery Center, says while the center is currently working on several projects to improve cost-containment and patient care, input from staff members and physicians is a priority throughout each process. One improvement initiative includes laying out the facility for improved efficiency and patient satisfaction, says Kelly Fellers, director of materials management.
“Two months ago, we put together a team of employees to assess the building’s functionality, efficiency and look for opportunities to improve the patients’ experience at the center,” says Ms. Fellers. “I have never worked at a center that asked employees about those things and valued their input so highly.”
In fact, employee satisfaction is so highly regarded, employee turnover at High Plains Surgery Center has been less than 2 percent annually, Mr. Southard says. Not only are employees rewarded with quarterly bonuses and Christmas bonuses, but employees can also enjoy benefits including health, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, retirement benefits and a daily lunch provided by the center.
