#United States #Long Beach #Long Beach Medical #Dr. Andrew Hanna #Spine Health Center

Long Beach Medical Center Unveils New Back & Neck Health Center

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has recently expanded its services with the introduction of a new Back & Neck Health Center, now a part of the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute. This new facility, directed by Dr. Andrew Hanna, aims to provide patients with comprehensive, tailored care for various spine ailments.

A New Vision for Spine Care

Dr. Andrew Hanna, the newly appointed medical director, is a double board-certified expert in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. His leadership is pivotal in ensuring that the Back & Neck Health Center employs a patient-centric approach, focusing on advanced interventional treatments and minimally invasive procedures while also offering extensive non-surgical options.

The new center is strategically positioned to help patients navigate the often complicated landscape of spine care. Instead of immediately being referred to surgery, patients will benefit from a dedicated care coordinator who will shepherd them through the process, from initial consultations to follow-up treatments. This ensures that all options are explored before considering surgery.

"We are transforming the way spine care is delivered. Surgery is not always the best or first solution for all patients," Dr. Hanna explained. "In our Health Center, we create a clear care pathway, focusing first on conservative treatments and only advancing to minimally invasive options when necessary."

Comprehensive Services Under One Roof

Located within the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Pavilion, the Back & Neck Health Center combines various specialties in a single outpatient setting. This centralized approach addresses a common issue wherein patients are sent directly to surgeons without exploring appropriate preliminary therapies and evaluations.

Dr. Hanna emphasized, "Too often, patients are immediately directed to a spine surgeon before receiving the care they require for accurate diagnosis and conservative management. Our center makes sure they see the right practitioners at the right time through a collaborative team of pain specialists, physical therapists, and surgeons."

Moreover, the Back & Neck Health Center aligns perfectly with evolving insurance policies that often necessitate conservative treatment options before surgical procedures can be approved. This alignment not only relieves primary care physicians from managing initial patient care but also allows spine surgeons to concentrate on more complex surgical cases.

Expertise and Commitment to Patient Care

Dr. Hanna's extensive credentials bolster the Back & Neck Health Center's mission to deliver top-notch spine care. He completed his fellowships and residency at UCLA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, alongside receiving accolades such as it being named the intern of the year at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, and holds degrees from the University of Nevada Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and UC Riverside.

"Back and neck pains are common challenges faced by the population, and we focus on effective, early intervention and treatment to prevent conditions from escalating to where surgery becomes necessary," Dr. Hanna added.

For patients whose pain management does not improve sufficiently through conservative methods, referrals will be made to specialized surgeons at the Orthopedic & Spine Institute for additional evaluation and care.

An Institution Committed to Excellence

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has built a legacy of compassionate and quality healthcare over the past century. As the only hospital in LA County using the advanced ExactechGPS® and ExcelsiusGPS® surgical systems, it's at the forefront of healthcare technology. Recognized for its excellence, the center has also achieved Magnet® recognition for nursing services, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

For more information on the services provided at the Back & Neck Health Center or to learn about specialized care, visit the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center website.