Name, logo developed for surgery center in Carson

"Sierra Surgery & Imaging" has been adopted as the name for a new surgical hospital projected to open in early 2005 in Carson City.

The facility is the first surgical hospital in Nevada a model that organizers say combines the virtues of an ambulatory surgery center (smaller and more comforting setting, personalized attention, improved surgical outcomes, quicker admissions with less red tape, swifter recovery, and lower cost) with inpatient rooms, physical therapy and support services for non-critical cases needing overnight recovery.

Sierra Surgery & Imaging also is one of the first surgical hospitals in the nation developed as a partnership between community doctors and a community hospital.

The partnership was created by Carson- Tahoe Hospital and the doctors who own and manage Carson Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Sierra Surgery & Imaging will replace CASCI.

Sierra Surgery & Imaging's name and logo seeks to combine the splendor of the Northern Nevada's environment and the center's smalltown focus, said Joan Lapham, chief executive officer of Sierra Surgery & Imaging and previously CEO of CASCI.

The CASCI nursing and office staff will transfer to Sierra Surgery & Imaging.

Sierra Surgery & Imaging will focus on the following outpatient and inpatient specialties: GYN, general surgery, urology, orthopedic and spine, hand and plastics, dental, ophthalmology, ENT and pain management.

In addition, a comprehensive radiology department will include: general radiology, MRI and CT scanning, Sierra Women's Center, ultrasound, radiology fluoroscopy and bone density.

Construction of Sierra Surgery & Imaging began in October 2003 on the campus of the new Carson-Tahoe Regional Medical Center, off Highway 395 at the north edge of Carson City.