How Yellowstone Surgery Center is Redefining Recovery

October 1, 2024

Article by Marya Pennington and photos by Seth Kroft

With an impressive tally of over 10,000 surgeries performed in 2023 alone, Yellowstone Surgery Center (YSC) has firmly established itself as a national leader in ambulatory surgeries. Ranked among the top 10% of such centers nationwide, YSC continues to set new standards for patient care, technological innovation, and cost-effective medical procedures. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) like YSC are becoming the gold standard due to their focus on exceptional patient outcomes, cutting-edge technologies, reduced patient costs, and faster recovery times. These factors collectively ensure that YSC remains a key player in modern healthcare.

The Benefits of Outpatient Care

One of the most significant advantages YSC offers is its emphasis on outpatient care, allowing patients to return home the same day. This reduces healthcare costs and minimizes the risk of post-surgery complications, particularly those associated with hospital-acquired infections. “The patient gets to recover in the comfort of their own home, away from any germs you might find in a hospital setting,” says Dr. Thomas Owen, a surgeon for YSC. He also highlights that outpatient care reduces patients' stress by offering a more relaxed experience with top-notch customer care.

These shorter stays also translate into substantial financial savings for patients. According to YSC, nationwide outpatient surgeries lead to an estimated $4.2 billion in annual savings for patients, funds that would have otherwise been spent on extended hospital stays and associated expenses.

Pediatric Program: Easing Children's Fears

Yellowstone Surgery Center understands that surgery can be a frightening experience for children, so they have developed a kid-friendly program designed to ease young patients' fears. Before surgery, children can visit the center for a personalized tour, complete with fun distractions like popsicles, lollipops, and a ride in a big red wagon.

By familiarizing the children with the environment ahead of time, the staff at YSC helps demystify the experience, significantly alleviating their anxiety. The program has been well received, with both parents and children appreciating the effort to make surgery less intimidating.

Innovative Technology

One of the cornerstones of YSC's success is its commitment to using the latest technological advancements, particularly in joint replacements and robotic-assisted surgery. Once only available in traditional hospitals, these state-of-the-art procedures are now offered as outpatient services at YSC, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of surgeries while maintaining shorter recovery times.

“We use navigation technology for some of our joint replacement procedures. We are third in the nation for being at the forefront of total shoulder replacements in an outpatient setting,” said Dr. Owen.

These technological innovations allow YSC to offer patients cutting-edge care that improves surgical outcomes and significantly shortens recovery times. The ability to receive such advanced treatments outside a hospital setting is a game-changer in modern medicine.

One Family’s Experience

For Heather Bergeson and her family, Yellowstone Surgery Center has been a source of healing and peace of mind. Having undergone 11 surgeries between family members, the Bergesons have firsthand experience with the quality of care provided by YSC.

“As a mother, having a facility that offers highly skilled physicians, compassionate care, and cutting-edge technology gives me peace of mind. I could tell they really wanted to help my kids heal and get back to their best health.” Heather says. Her son, who has had four hip arthroscopies, received excellent care at YSC after consulting numerous doctors. “Watching the care that they gave to him and being able to take him home right here in town where friends and family could visit and he could be in his own bed was everything. We were so happy to have him so close to home,” she adds.

Heather’s story highlights the unique benefits of ambulatory surgery, where the convenience of a local facility meets the high standards of medical excellence.

The Secret to YSC’s Success

Yellowstone Surgery Center's success can be attributed to more than technological innovation and quality patient care; it’s deeply rooted in its stability within the Billings community. With over 20 years in operation (when the industry average is around eight), YSC has built a reputation of trust and reliability. This longevity is bolstered by the center’s low staff turnover, which fosters strong relationships with patients and allows for consistent care.

Dr. Owen, who has been with YSC for over 13 years, attributes much of the center's success to its team. "The staff, from top to bottom. They are always helpful, always interested, and they legitimately care about their patients. All we do here is surgery, and we have become really, very good at it.”

Stability, a patient-centered approach, and cutting-edge technology are the hallmarks of YSC’s continued success in ambulatory surgery. With an unwavering commitment to care and community, Yellowstone Surgery Center is meeting and exceeding modern medical care's expectations.

Originally printed in the October 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Marya Pennington

Marya Pennington is a Billings native who loves great films, fly fishing, backpacking, weight lifting, and good conversation about anything but the weather. She is passionate about telling a good story and helping local businesses tell theirs. Above all, she loves to go on adventures with her husband Randy, their three daughters and their families.

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