24-03-2025
San Diego health system first in state to get top certification in spine surgery
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A local health system has earned a prestigious certification for advancements in spine surgery again after becoming the first in California to do so in 2022.
UC San Diego Health was once again awarded The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS), the organization announced Monday.
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The announcement came three years after it became the first health organization in the Golden State to receive the designation.
'The Joint Commission's renewal of this advanced certification confirms our well-earned and sustained national prominence in spine care,' said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health.
In order to qualify for the ACSS, health organizations must demonstrate their success in several metrics, including their adherence to evidence-based care protocols and clinical practice guidelines. They must also participate in the American Spine Registry.
In addition, health systems must track and report key performance metrics such as surgical site infection rates and pre-and post-operative patient-reported outcomes.
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UC San Diego Health also underwent a rigorous review as part of its designation process.
Last December, a Joint Commission reviewer came to UC San Diego Health unannounced and evaluated the organization for its compliance with several certification standards, including the ones reported above. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
'From minimally invasive robotic surgery to complex spinal reconstructions, our multidisciplinary team combines advanced surgical techniques and leading-edge research to ensure patients receive the best possible care, improving mobility and quality of life,' said Alexander Khalessi, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego Health. 'As one of the nation's leading centers, our teams continue to set the standard.'
UC San Diego Health is the county's first Level 1 Trauma Center and the only health system in the county to have two Comprehensive Stroke Centers.
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