SNG starts 2009 with 99% patient satisfaction

Reno, NV - Is it possible for a medical practice to make every patient happy? Well it seems that in at least one case you can come pretty darn close. The results of Sierra Neurosurgery Group's two-year patient satisfaction survey reveal that the practice was able to satisfy an astounding 99% of patients.

The survey revealed 99% of Sierra Neurosurgery Group's (SNG) new patients and 98% of post-operative patients who completed the survey were pleased enough with their experience to recommend SNG to a friend or family member.

Some of the other impressive survey results include interactions with SNG staff. 100% of surveyed new patients said their SNG doctor listened to their concerns and answered their questions. 100% found the medical staff courteous and helpful. 99% said medical staff clearly explained medical treatment to them and 98% were satisfied with the amount of time the physician spent with them.

Post-operative patients also gave SNG outstanding marks. 98% felt they received adequate information to make an informed decision about their medical treatment and 96% found the follow-up care adequate and helpful.

How does Sierra Neurosurgery Group manage to earn such high marks in patient satisfaction? It starts with the premise that every patient is an individual with unique needs. "While catering to the needs of each patient seems pretty basic, not every medical practice takes that approach to heart,” explains Dr. Joseph Walker, a founding partner of Sierra Neurosurgery Group. "This practice was founded on the principal of providing truly individualized treatment and we have never used a cookie cutter approach to care."

At Sierra Neurosurgery Group, each patient is evaluated completely and receives an individualized treatment plan. Sometimes that treatment is surgical, but not always. In fact, surgery is not prescribed even a majority of the time. In the past two years, 68% of SNG's patients received non-surgical treatment. A pretty surprising statistic for a "surgical" practice.

According to Dr. Deven Khosla, a senior partner at Sierra Neurosurgery Group, "We are doctors first, surgeons second." He explains that each neurosurgeon determines appropriate treatment based on the individual patient, even if that means referring them out of the practice. "There are surgeons who are bound and determined to cut every patient and don’t consider every other option," Dr. Khosla says, "We are just not that kind of practice."

Because of the breadth and depth of expertise at Sierra Neurosurgery Group and the practice's collaborative approach, most patients have the benefit of two neurosurgeons consulting on their case. Co-surgery, where two surgeons operate jointly on a patient, occurs regularly. This team approach is another factor that contributes to the high satisfaction rate among SNG patients.

By putting the patient's needs and best interests first, SNG may not do as many surgeries as some of the area's other spine specialists, but they do ensure that their patient get the treatment that will most benefit them. And it appears their patients value that approach.

Sierra Neurosurgery Group is the region's largest all Board Certified neurosurgical practice. For nearly 30 years, Sierra Neurosurgery Group has provided exceptional spine and brain care throughout northern Nevada and northeastern California with clinics in Reno, Carson City, Incline Village, Elko, Winnemucca and Fallon.