AdventHealth Avista earns redesignation as Orthopedic and Spine Center of Excellence

AdventHealth Avista has once again been honored with the prestigious designation of Orthopedic and Spine Center of Excellence by DNV Healthcare. DNV, a global certification leader, recognizes healthcare facilities worldwide for their excellence in specialized areas such as orthopedic and neuro/spine programs.

As a top destination for total joint replacement surgeries—including hips, knees, ankles, feet, and shoulders—AdventHealth Avista also excels in spine procedures such as decompressions, fusions, and disc replacements. The orthopedic team is committed to the highest standards in quality, patient safety, technology, and evidence-based best practices to ensure exceptional surgical outcomes.

This elite designation has been awarded to only 13 hospitals globally. AdventHealth Avista is proud to be the first facility in Colorado and one of just 12 others in the United States to receive this recognition.

Achieving this status requires rigorous compliance across every department, including pre-op, post-op, pharmacy, sterile processing, physical and occupational therapy, surgery, anesthesia, dietary, imaging, respiratory, documentation, care management, and more. It’s a true team effort.

“Our joint and spine team meets at least monthly to review our processes and work together on program improvements for staff, patients, and caregivers,” said Joint and Spine Program Coordinator, Monica Smith. “We initially achieved standard certification in 2012, and as a hospital, we strive to exceed expectations from our patients, caregivers, and surgeons. We began the process over one year ago to meet even higher standards for this advanced certification and Center of Excellence designation.”

Physicians trust AdventHealth Avista to care for their most complex and high-risk patients. The hospital’s commitment to excellence, backed by DNV’s rigorous standards, ensures that surgeons have the tools and support they need to deliver outstanding results. This designation also holds weight with insurance providers, who value the reduced risk and improved outcomes it represents.

At AdventHealth Avista, patient care is a team sport. From presurgical consults and education to seamless in-hospital collaboration, every step is designed to support whole-person healing and recovery.

Since earning its Advanced DNV certification in April 2024, AdventHealth Avista has provided expert orthopedic and spine care to more than 1,000 patients—demonstrating a continued commitment to clinical excellence and patient outcomes.

A Patient’s Perspective: A Journey of Trust and Healing | Cress Hart from Arvada

“My journey to Avista NeuroSurgery was a stroke of enormous luck. I hadn’t realized the risk I was taking by delaying diagnosis and treatment. From my first visit, I was met with compassion and professionalism. Trent, a skilled provider, immediately recognized my anxiety and took the time to explain my MRI and X-rays in detail. He encouraged me to ask questions, building trust and easing my fears.

Later, I met with Dr. Nelson to discuss surgery. Again, I was struck by the genuine concern and clarity in communication. Every interaction with the Neurosurgery team reflected a culture of care that I now understand comes from leadership that values excellence.

Now, six weeks post-surgery, I’m returning to my normal activities. I credit my recovery to the incredible team at Avista and the professionalism that defines their approach to patient care.”

To learn more, please visit: AdventHealth Medical Group Spine and Neurosurgery at Louisville | AdventHealth Medical Group