Circa 2010, I started experiencing lumbar back pain. I reached out to Dr. Kevin Martinez, formerly…read morewith Parish Pain Specialists but now with Southern Brain and Spine (see my review) and was treated with a level of respect and empathy that truly surprised me. After a series of tests and scans I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and was given treatment options. The treatment of choice was the Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI), and Southern Brain and Spine uses Crescent City Surgical Center for their procedures. The surgical center is owned and operated by a group of local surgeons and Louisiana Children's Medical Center, and is conveniently located in Metairie. Kudos to having their own parking garage. The facility is immaculately clean, state of the art, and has 8 operating rooms and 2 procedure rooms.
To say that they provide personalized care is an understatement. From the moment you exit the elevator on the 4th floor reception room, you are courteously greeted and made to feel special; and relaxed, as the staff knows that patients may be anxious and/or nervous. Once you are checked in, a nurse takes you upstairs as a group to the surgical floor, where you will only briefly wait in a waiting room that looks nothing like any hospital waiting room I've ever seen. It is warm and inviting and helps put you at ease. You are escorted in by your pre-op nurse and mine have always been top notch and reassuring. The pre-op nurse takes you to a private curtained room where you change into a standard surgical gown. This is where you review and sign all your consent forms and are hooked up to an I.V. While waiting for the O.R., my doctor and anesthesiologist stopped in to say hello and before you know it, you are being wheeled up to the O.R.
Once in the O.R., your surgical team is moving like a well-oiled machine, but a very personable and reassuring team. Once situated on the table, the nurse anesthetist administers you the proper medication and it's lights out in just a few seconds. The next thing you know, you are waking up in recovery from what feels like the greatest sleep ever. Once coherent, the discharge nurse goes over your discharge instructions and gives you a folder with all the documents you signed. You also get a snack and a drink if needed, and they take out your I.V. and allow you to get dressed; with assistance if needed, as it's not recommended to get up unaided. They provide an excellent "to go" goodie bag with chicken noodle soup, chips & cookies and a bottle of water. Lastly, they ensure that you have a ride, since no driving is allowed, and they wheel you down to your awaiting ride. If you've never been here before, you'll get a get-well card in the mail from your team. This is personalized care at its best.
Lastly, I'd like to give a shout out to all the people who have cared for me on my many visits here. Apologies for not remembering them all.
Reception: Patricia
Pre-Op nurses: Melissa (several times), Stacy, Jessi, Patti & Lauren
O.R. nurses: Ernie
Radiology techs: Barry, Blair & Lauren
Nurse anesthetist: Becky (at least twice), Kathleen & Candace
Post-Op/Discharge nurses: Janet, Anna, Erika, Donna & Victoria
I could go on and on about the team here, as they are all truly top notch. And no matter who is on your team, you will be taken well care of. Special shout out to Nurse anesthetist Kim, as she manages the group here. She is a master of her craft and moves at the speed of business, all the while being extremely nice.
Last and certainly not least is Dr. Kevin Martinez. He is the rock star of the O.R. He has cared for me for over 14 years now and has kept me from having to have an invasive surgery all this time. There is no one better in my opinion. And being part owner of the hospital, he has a vested interest in providing outstanding care, just like everyone else here. Can't recommend this place enough!
