GCG Surgery Center

Private Funding on the Horizon at GCG Surgery Center

2011-11-23T22:44:00.000-08:00

Exciting things are on the horizon at GCG Surgery Center.

The team is looking into obtaining private funding in the form of grants so that we can offer services to patients and their families who might not be able to afford the dental/health care otherwise.

Contact the office for more details.

People First Language

2010-10-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

In recent years, politically correct language has gained a somewhat bad reputation -- denigrated to a manipulative tool used to appease overly-sensitive citizens. Although I agree that sometimes politically-correct language can be taken too far, I am a firm believer in its value. The words you use shape your thoughts. If you are accustomed to speaking about certain people in a dehumanizing way, your thoughts will be shaped into thinking that they are less than human.

People-first language is about speaking of people in a way that honors their dignity, humanity, and individualism. It seeks to reduce misunderstandings and prejudice.

Here are some examples of people-first language and non-people-first language, respectively:

He has a learning disability vs He is learning disabled

She has a physical disability vs She is crippled

John uses a wheelchair vs John is wheelchair-bound

Sue has a mental illness vs Sue is crazy

Jim has Down's Syndrome vs Jim is retarded.

Can you see the differences between the two? People-first language honors the person first and mentions the disability or challenge as a secondary feature. Don't get carried away -- sometimes people-first language can get repetitive and awkward if you take it too far. The important thing to remember is to be mindful of being respectful.

GCG Surgery Center Launches Site

2010-10-21T21:18:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that GCG Surgery Center has updated their webpage to include pictures of the surgery center, Dr. Paul Griffith, as well as a link to AAAHC -- the organization through which GCG Surgery Center is accredited.

As one of the only surgery centers in Northern California who does sedation dentistry for adult patients, GCG Surgery Center provides a much-needed service for an underserved population. If you're interested, go to the GCG Surgery Center website for more information

Foundations to Individuals

2009-10-14T20:00:00.002-07:00

Here at GCG Surgery Center, we are aware of the financial burdens that families face when they are caring for somebody with special needs. Because we are committed to helping you, we've compiled a list of resources (financial aid, grants, foundations, scholarships) that may help offset some of your health care costs.

If you have heard of other resources, please feel free to let us know about it in the comments section. I am sure there are readers who will be grateful for the time you've taken!

United Healthcare Children's Foundation
MN012-S286, P.O. Box 41
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0041
Tel: 800-328-5979 ext 24459
Grants to families to help pay for child health care services such as speech therapy, physical therapy occupational therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment (children ge 16 and under. Dental/ortho not covered unless serious medical condition

The Agape Foundation
7799 E Via Casta
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-3493
Awards to families with special needs children

Heart of Variety Fund
1520 Locust St, 2nd Fl
Philadelphia, PA 19102-4404
Scholarships to handicapped children

The Ostberg Foundation
P.O. Box 1098
Alpine, NJ 07620-1098
Financial aid to elderly and ill individuals -- must do through social service agency

American Health Assistance Foundation
22512 Gateway Center Dr
Clarksburg, MD 20871-2005
Tel: 301-948-3244
Grants to Alzheimer's patients and caregivers to help ease financial burdens

Extreme Anxiety and Phobia

2009-10-14T19:59:00.001-07:00

Dentists are, unfortunately, the proverbial bogeyman of the health care world. Fear and anxiety of seeing the dentist keep many people from having beautiful smiles, and healthy teeth and gums. Not only does neglecting the dentist affect your smile, it can also affect your overal health.

The American Dental Association has compiled a summary of the strong correlation between oral health and systemic health. In fact, oral health can often indicate health in areas such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as well as others.

Sedation dentistry isn't just for people with special needs and disabilities. It may be the answer for someone who has extreme phobia and anxiety. Sedation dentistry at GCG Surgery Center is a way for patients to gently snooze while they are being treated. Treatment that can take many hours and several visits in a regular dental office can be done in just one.

If you know of anyone who could benefit from dentistry under general anesthesia, please be sure to let them know about us.

Dentistry for People with Special Needs

2009-10-14T19:58:00.002-07:00

Many patients with special needs have had very limited choices for dental care as they often cannot be treated in a conventional dental office. Not only does this prevent them from obtaining a beautiful smile, but it can also have potential consequences to overall health as the relationship between dental health and general health is very important.

Whether your special need stems from disabilities or phobia,
sedation dentistry can sometimes be the best choice. For over 25 years, Dr. Paul Griffith has been serving dental patients with special needs and is proud to present the Griffith Collaborative Group of GCG Surgery Center. The Griffith Collaborative Group integrates medical and dental services combined with a compassionate and empathetic staff that is committed to meeting your needs.

This team of experienced and certified health professionals will ensure the safety you would receive in a hospital setting but with more personalized care and lower cost.

Patients can now get the healthy, beautiful smile they've always wanted - without the pain. We are here to help you.

AAAHC Accreditation

2009-10-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

GCG Surgery Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded AAAHC accreditation.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc (AAAHC) is a nonprofit organization that awards accreditation to facilities that meet its high standards for care. It is recognized by third party payers, medical societies, and state and government agencies.

GCG Surgery Center voluntarily went through the process of achieving AAAHC accreditation to show its patients that it is committed to nationally-recognized standards of health care and continuous improvement.

AAAHC standards involve seven core chapters relating to aspects of quality care:
1. Rights and Responsibilities of Patients
2. Governance
3. Administration
4. Quality of Care
5. Quality Management and Improvement
6. Clinical Records and Health Information
7. Facilities and Environment

In addition, GCG Surgery Center successfully complied with additional adjunct standards regarding anesthesia services and dental services.

As of today, there are only 37 organizations in the entire state of California that are accredited by AAAHC. In the San Francisco Bay Area, GCG Surgery Center is extremely proud to be 1 of only 9 organizations to receive the distinction of being accredited by AAAHC.

Congratulations to all staff members at GCG Surgery Center for their commitment to providing excellent care.