Centers of Excellence+ Programs

University Hospitals Cervical & Lumbar Spine Center of Excellence+

Our Cervical and Lumbar Spine Center of Excellence+ brings together a comprehensive array of surgical and non-surgical procedures and services for patients with injuries, degenerative conditions, deformities, fractures and tumors of the cervical and lumbar spine. University Hospitals’ nationally recognized, fellowship-trained spine surgeons and supporting clinical staff provide world-class, compassionate, personalized care for these patients.

Get Started Today

Choose an option to begin planning your cervical spine or lumbar spine care at our Center of Excellence+.

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What Is a Center of Excellence+?

At UH, we define Center of Excellence+ (COE+) as a program established to supply an exceptionally high concentration of expertise and related resources centered on a particular area of medicine. A COE+ strives for value, optimal clinical outcomes, a positive patient experience, and lower costs for both patients and employers.

Bundled Package

All the services offered through our Cervical and Lumbar Spine Center of Excellence+ are bundled together to be paid at a single rate. This approach promotes efficiency and best practices from all caregivers involved as they work together to provide the highest quality patient care while staying within a price point. Program navigators provide concierge-style support, coordinating all specialist appointments and ancillary services and accompanying patients to these appointments.

The UH Cervical and Lumbar Spine Center of Excellence+ bundled package includes the following:

Evaluation

Surgeon consult
Psychiatry consult
Lab services
Plain film and flex extension x-rays
Other “rule-out” x-rays
Standing scoliosis x-ray (if diagnosed with scoliosis)
EMG nerve conduction studies
EKG (dependent upon age)

Surgery

Medical records review
Lab services
For cervical, lumbar or decompression surgery, charges for the following:
- Hospital
- Surgeon
- Anesthesia
- Radiology
- Pathology
Home care nursing visit
Home care physical therapy visits
Occupational therapy visit
Cervical brace
Walker

Available Procedures

Procedures performed as part of our Cervical and Lumbar Spine Center of Excellence+ include the following:

Cervical Spinal Fusion: Cervical spinal fusion (arthrodesis) is used to join selected vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). This surgery may be recommended following a neck injury (to stabilize the neck and prevent further bone fracturing and potential paralysis); to treat misalignment of cervical vertebrae; and as a follow-up procedure to treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis, rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, infections, spinal deformities and certain other conditions.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion (spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis) is a neurosurgical/orthopedic surgical technique that joins two or more vertebrae together permanently. The procedure is usually performed to stop the motion at a painful vertebral segment. Fusion of the lumbar spine (the lowest five vertebrae of the spine) is performed to correct or improve such conditions as lumbar degenerative disc disease and lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Spinal Decompression: Spinal decompression is a nonsurgical procedure in which manual or motorized traction is used to stretch the spine. This therapy can be useful in the treatment of chronic neck, back or leg pain (sciatica) caused by spinal nerve compression; degenerative disc disease; spine injury involving damage to spinal nerve roots; and the wearing away of facet joints in the back of the vertebra.

To learn more about cervical and lumbar spine treatment at UH, visit our Spine Services – Conditions and Treatments page.

Meet the Team

Robert Berkowitz, MD
Jason Eubanks, MD
Christopher Furey, MD
Zachary Gordon, MD – Program Surgeon
Gabriel Smith, MD – Program Surgeon
Sara Brodeur, RN, BSN – Program Navigator
Julie Grimm, RN-BC, BSN, ONC – Program Navigator

Preparing for Surgery & Post-Surgery Care

A nurse navigator will assist you in enrolling in CareSense, our digital patient navigation platform that will help you prepare and follow up after your procedure. Through this platform, you can do the following:

Receive pre-operative education electronically
Review videos at your own convenience (though completion is required prior to surgery)
Connect with nurse navigators via our CareSense app and ask them any questions you may have
Complete patient satisfaction surveys
Using the app, track your patient compliance scores on patient-reported outcomes such as post-surgery pain intensity, mobility, etc.

Information for Out-of-Town Patients

Getting to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

UH Cleveland Medical Center
11100 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Get Directions

View a campus map and driving instructions

Staying & Dining

Stay at the Courtyard Marriott – Cleveland University Circle

While staying in Cleveland, accommodations will be provided for patients and care partners at the Courtyard Marriott, conveniently located across the street from UH Cleveland Medical Center. Your health insurance provider will coordinate all lodging arrangements.

Valet parking is available
Shuttle hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. – this complimentary service runs within a 2-mile radius

Restaurants

There are a variety of restaurants in the areas surrounding UH Cleveland Medical Center, including University Circle, Little Italy and Cedar-Fairmount. Click here for a detailed list.

Getting to University Hospitals St. John Medical Center

UH St. John Medical Center
29000 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145
Get Directions