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    6 Years of Office-Based Surgical Excellence with Alison Tendler, MD

     

    The healthcare landscape is evolving with new innovations transforming how practitioners approach patient care. Office-based surgery (OBS) is shaping the future of ophthalmic surgery as a streamlined delivery model that benefits patients, physicians, and payors. Leading the way is Alison Tendler, MD, a pioneering ophthalmologist practicing at ART Vision in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She has embraced office-based surgery as the cornerstone of her practice. With the support of iOR Partners, Dr. Tendler has reimagined what surgical care can look like, offering patients an experience that is both highly efficient and deeply personalized.


    Why Dr. Tendler Chose Office-Based Surgery

    Transitioning to an office-based surgery model wasn’t initially part of Dr. Tendler's plan, but it quickly became clear that it was the best path forward. Having worked in traditional hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialty ASCs, she has seen firsthand the strengths and limitations of each environment. What ultimately stood out for Dr. Tendler was the control, efficiency, and flexibility that OBS offered.

    “I didn’t initially plan on operating solely out of my in-office surgery center, but I quickly realized it was the best choice—not just for me, but for my team and my patients. OBS allows us to dictate every aspect of the surgical experience and ensure it aligns with the highest standards of care.”

    The move to OBS eliminated the inefficiencies of hospital settings and provided Dr. Tendler with the ability to design a workflow that makes sense for her practice. This benefits not just the surgeon but also the patients, creating an experience that is personal, consistent, and welcoming.

     

    Enhancing Patient Experienceior-art-hero-1000x667

    With OBS, patient care is no longer bound by the often impersonal dynamics of a hospital or ASC. Dr. Tendler has built her practice around a patient-first philosophy, tailoring every aspect of the surgical experience to their comfort and peace of mind.   

    Familiarity and Comfort

    One standout feature of Dr. Tendler’s practice is the patient experience. From their initial visit to surgery day and follow-ups, patients interact with the same staff throughout their care.

    • Pre-surgery assessments take place in the same rooms used for post-operative evaluations, creating a seamless experience.
    • Anxiety levels are reduced significantly because the environment feels familiar, and trust is built early on.
    “Patients do not feel like they are in a medical facility having a major medical intervention. They’ve been in these rooms before, they know the staff, and they feel cared for every step of the way. That comfort makes all the difference, especially during surgery.”

    Dr. Tendler also takes the time to personally walk patients through the process and surgical suite during pre-surgical consultations, ensuring they know what to expect and addressing any anxieties.

    The Role of Anesthesia

    Minimizing patient anxiety also translates into less need for heavy sedation. Dr. Tendler employs oral sedation paired with topical anesthesia, ensuring safety and patient comfort while maintaining complete control over the process.

    “Less is more when it comes to anesthesia. Our patients are more comfortable, and I feel more confident operating in an environment where I can manage every aspect of their care. It’s one more way OBS empowers us to tailor the experience.”

     

    Collaboration with iOR Partnersart-vision-ior-exterior-800x534

    Transitioning to OBS is no small feat, and Dr. Tendler credits much of her success to her partnership with iOR Partners. From planning her surgical suite to managing compliance, iOR Partners brought invaluable expertise to the table.

    Streamlined Setup and Accreditation

    Designing an OBS suite involves a multitude of considerations, from space planning to adhering to strict safety standards. iOR Partners guided Dr. Tendler through every step, ensuring her practice met accreditation requirements and was equipped to deliver the best care possible.

     

     

    “They were with me through every detail—from where equipment should be placed to ensuring ventilation requirements were met. Their support gave me confidence that we could achieve the highest standards in office-based surgery.”

    Ongoing Support

    The partnership didn’t end with setup. iOR Partners continues to support Dr. Tendler’s practice by providing training, assistance with documentation, and data-backed insights to enhance patient safety.

    “Knowing iOR Partners has my back is invaluable. They’ve gone above and beyond to ensure our success, sometimes bending over backwards to make things happen. Their commitment to providing exceptional support stands out.”

     

    Empowering Patient Safety

    iOR Partners also brings a strong focus on data collection and safety outcomes. They’ve collected data on nearly 100,000 cases performed in iOR Suites across the country showing safety outcomes that match or exceed those in traditional hospital and ASC settings.

    “The data doesn’t lie. Office-based surgery is not only safe but also highly effective, allowing us to treat patients with the same complexities you’d see in hospitals.”

    Looking Ahead

    Dr. Tendler’s practice exemplifies what’s possible when innovation, personalization, and excellence come together. Her choice to adopt an office-based surgery model has not only elevated the patient experience but also transformed the way she works as a surgeon.

    If you’re considering transitioning to OBS or simply want to learn more about its benefits, take inspiration from Dr. Tendler’s story. OBS offers an opportunity to reimagine what surgical excellence looks like—for patients and surgeons alike.

    Discover the possibilities of office-based surgery with iOR Partners. Take our feasibility analysis to see if transitioning to office-based surgery is right for your practice.

     
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