A state-of-the-art surgery room at Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health where advanced spine and neurological care meets innovation and precision. Photo credit: Kyle Dykes, UC San Diego Health
Renewed advanced certification from The Joint Commission reflects UC San Diego Health leadership in spine and neurological care, pioneering treatments and dedication to patient safety.
March 24, 2025 | Leslie Aquinde –
UC San Diego Health has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS), validating its leadership in delivering top-tier spine and neurological care. This prominent certification reflects the health system’s dedication to patient safety, surgical innovation and ongoing advancements in spine treatment.
UC San Diego Health was the first health organization in California to receive this advanced certification in 2022 and continues to set the benchmark for spine surgery. Since then, the program has standardized treatment protocols across departments, expanded data collection, and enhanced post-operative pain management to further improve patient care. UC San Diego Health continues to provide consultation to other health systems exploring the ACSS, furthering its role as a national leader in spine surgery excellence.
“The Joint Commission’s renewal of this advanced certification confirms our well-earned and sustained national prominence in spine care,” said Patty Maysent, CEO at UC San Diego Health. “From surgical innovations and novel treatments to expanding data-driven decision-making, our world-renowned experts continue to redefine possibilities that elevate health outcomes to enhance the lives of our patients.”
To qualify for ACSS, organizations must adhere to evidence-based care protocols, follow clinical practice guidelines, and actively participate in the American Spine Registry, a national initiative focused on continuous quality improvement in spine care. Additionally, institutions must track and report key performance metrics, including surgical site infection rates, new neurological deficits, unplanned return visits to the operating room, and pre- and post-operative patient-reported outcomes to ensure the highest standards of patient safety and care.
“Earning the ACSS renewal is a testament to the level of highly reliable care we provide, positioning UC San Diego Health as a national leader in spine care,” said Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and neurosurgeon at UC San Diego Health. “From minimally invasive robotic surgery to complex spinal reconstructions, our multidisciplinary team combines advanced surgical techniques and leading-edge research to ensure patients receive the best possible care, improving mobility and quality of life. As one of the nation’s leading centers, our teams continue to set the standard.”
