Columbus Surgery Center Provides Expert Care, Close to Home

Columbus Community Hospital's Columbus Surgery Center is proud to offer expert care, close to home.

The hospital officially took ownership of the surgery center on June 1, 2021. Shortly after that, the surgery center underwent a minor renovation.

"One of the biggest changes to the facility was the addition of a new rooftop air handler unit that helps us control the temperature and humidity more effectively," said Keith Luedders, vice president of ancillary services at the hospital. "Other updates included new flooring, electrical upgrades and enhanced storage space."

Even though the surgery center now belongs to the hospital, patients will notice very little has changed when they arrive for surgery.

"Staff members continue to greet patients at the front door where they will check-in for their appointment," said Dr. Peter Diedrichsen, ophthalmologist at Eye Physicians PC. "Once the patients are checked in, a nurse will escort them to the surgical area. The process is very similar to the way it was before the transition of ownership."

Staff at the surgery center complete more than 1,000 surgeries each year, including ophthalmology (eye surgery), endoscopy and pain procedures. Ophthalmology is the most common surgery. Each month, physicians perform roughly 50 cataract surgeries and 25 laser procedures, along with ophthalmologic eyelid and brow plastic surgeries.

Patients who want a more intimate atmosphere for outpatient procedures can find it at the surgery center.

"Since we operate as an outpatient facility, our patients are not at the surgery center for a long period," said Billi Benson, director of Columbus Surgery Center. "For patients who are scared of going to the hospital, the surgery center serves as a less intimidating option."

Patients interested in having a procedure at the Columbus Surgery Center should work with their primary care provider to receive a referral.

"Once the referral is complete, the surgery center will serve as the main point of contact regarding the procedure," Benson said. "Our nurses will contact the patient to discuss medical history, expectations and details for the surgery."

As the surgery center continues to operate under CCH's ownership, the hospital will offer additional resources to make processes and procedures more efficient and effective.

"Having the hospital own the surgery center opens up the opportunity for more resources," Diedrichsen said, "These resources include financial, billing, promotional, maintenance and other kinds of resources."

In the coming years, the hospital plans to expand the facility's services and continue providing benefits to the community for a long time to come.

The Columbus Surgery Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 3772 43rd Ave. Suite B.

For more information, visit columbushosp.org.