I had never heard of the Speciality Surgical Center on the first floor of the modern three-story building on the west side of the street at at 51 N. Fifth Ave. until my Dr. Loanne Tran recommended it to me for a routine surgical procedure for those of us over 50-years-old (oh alright, it was a colonoscopy -- happy?).

I intend to make sure others are aware of it now.

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Clean Bill of Health: Specialty Surgical Center

   by Scott Hettrick

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The staff at SSC were all very conscientious and friendly through the whole process, from helpfully explaining everything about the procedure when I called to make the appointment and being flexible on the scheduling, to having two different people call me a few days ahead of the appointment to make sure I remembered and knew what to expect and how to prepare, and another reminding me to be ready to pay $100 co-pay by check or credit card. OK, I could have done without that reminder, but if I was going to have to pay it, I was glad to know about it in advance so I was ready with a pre-written check since they also told me to wear loose-fitting clothes and not to bring any valuables.

When I arrived early Monday for my 7:30 a.m. appointment, the office was already open and the waiting area very elegant, clean and spacious (it was pretty chilly, however, especially for those of us who wore little and loose-fitting clothing as instructed).

The requiste forms were kept to a minimum and I was only waiting a few minutes before they called me back to the prep room, asking about my comfort the whole way (yes, they asked if I needed to use the restroom one more time -- I had already used it and I'm happy to report it was also very clean and spacious!).

The nurses were extremely friendly during the prep process and answered every question I had or found someone who could, continuing to make sure I was comfortable and keeping me apprised of what to expect next.

After the brief surgery and quick recovery (I assume they performed surgery -- I have no memory of it due to what they told me was an amnesia ingredient in the anesthetic to make me forget everything, leaving me feeling like I was abducted and probed by aliens), they kept me comfortable in the recovery area until my wife picked me up, then called my home a couple days later to make sure I was doing alright and asking if I had any questions.

That kind of service, especially relating to um, personal medical attention, is quite comforting and worth sharing with anyone who may be looking for a recommendation for any kind of minor surgery that doesn't require a hospital.