Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1135345
As part of this demonstrated commitment to creating a relaxing environment for patients, Dr. Kumar and his team have also transformed the office itself into a peaceful oasis. "Having to undergo any surgery can be a nerve-wracking experience, and patients are often confronted with unfriendly, white-washed hospital walls and a very business-as-usual attitude," Dr. Kumar says. "We try to take that approach and stand it on its head. Our entire reception room, clinical beds and operating rooms are built to resemble a scene out of nature. Jungle vines line the walls, and white clouds hang overhead. Soft music plays as patients are taken back into the operating room, and children are given stuffed animals to play and cuddle with prior to their operation. Our staff is known to go the extra mile to make patients feel at home — to make patients feel like family." THE VALUE OF PRICE TRANSPARENCY Putting patients first also means understanding patients' financial needs. This is why Dr. Kumar is an advocate for price transparency and why all of the prices (including both the surgeon's and anesthesiologist's fees) for Cortland Surgical Center's various procedures are publicly listed online. In addition to highlighting the fact that Cortland Surgical Center is one of the least expensive surgery centers in the country for many procedures, such as thyroidectomies, being transparent with pricing allows patients to see exactly what they are paying for instead of forcing them to simultaneously shoulder the anxiety of both an upcoming procedure and the unknown financial impact of their operation. "Pricing can often be a very taboo topic of discussion between clinical providers and patients," Dr. Kumar says. "However, hospital bills can pile up quickly, and maybe the worst time to have to worry about expenses is when you are faced with a serious medical issue. We believe it is very important for every patient to know his or her rights and options when it comes to health care. Whether it is a serious operation or an elective procedure, our patients can easily see just how much the surgery might cost. We would never book a vacation or buy a TV without first thinking about the price, and we believe that same access to information and ability to choose ought to hold true for medical procedures. Often, knowing the price can help patients set a better course for their financial futures." For more information on Cortland Surgical Center, call 607-662-4521 or visit cortlandsurgical.com. n " From door to discharge, there is always someone available to both the family and the patient. Whether it is a cup of hot coffee for a family member in the waiting room or an extra blanket for a patient in recovery, we really try to make everyone feel at home from start to finish." — MARC SETTINERI, MD, ANESTHESIOLOGIST AT CORTLAND SURGICAL CENTER " We are dedicated to taking the extra time to attend to all aspects of patient care throughout the surgical process. We understand that each patient has individual needs and personal experiences, and that those factors play a role in the many aspects of healing." — KRISTIN DARNELL, RN, BSN, DIRECTOR OF NURSING AT CORTLAND SURGICAL CENTER Woodworth with Deanne Neville, RN 2 0❱❱❱❱❱ S P E C I A l F E A T U R E