Spine surgery can sound scary and intimidating, but finding the right care can make all the difference. That’s why it’s important to choose a highly specialized surgery center with skilled surgeons and advanced equipment. The good news? A hospital isn’t the only place to find it. Outpatient spine care offers high-quality surgery and personalized attention, without the need for an overnight stay.
For years, Carolina Center for Specialty Surgery (CCSS) was North Carolina’s best-kept secret for superior outpatient spine care – until now. U.S. News & World Report recently named CCSS to its 2025 list of “Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers,” also ranking it No. 1 in orthopedics and spine statewide.
CCSS is an ambulatory surgery center established by Atrium Health and Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates (CNSA)’s SpineFirst partnership. The center offers same-day surgery for patients requiring spine, neurological, orthopedic or podiatric procedures. Many patients go to CCSS to relieve a pinched nerve in the neck or back or because neck and back pain are limiting their daily lives.
“This recognition from U.S. News & World Report reflects the success of SpineFirst as a cohesive joint venture that fosters an environment where patients receive high-quality care with an emphasis on safety,” says Ryan Meyers, director of CCSS.
Ambulatory surgery centers offer:
- Same-day discharge
- Personalized care
- High-quality outcomes
- Ease of access
“Right place, right time, right patient – that’s what CCSS provides,” explains Sarah Bender, executive director of CCSS. “For patients, it means peace of mind – they don’t have to worry about where to go for care. Their physician will assess their needs and recommend the best setting, whether that’s same-day surgery at our center or, if necessary, at a hospital.”
Exceptional safety and quality data
U.S. News & World Report began ranking ambulatory surgery centers two years ago. Bender noted how CCSS’s early recognition “says a lot about our safety and quality standards.”
Fewer than 17% of evaluated centers received the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers ranking for 2025. To determine rankings, U.S. News & World Report analyzed historical claims and quality data. CCSS was recognized based on how patients did following surgery, including their ability to avoid complications, such as ER visits and unplanned hospital visits. In addition to its Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers accolade, CCSS achieved national recognition as the only ambulatory surgical center in Charlotte ranked for orthopedics and spine.
"This is meaningful external recognition of our commitment to giving patients the best possible care," notes Bender. "Knowing that someone outside our organization is reviewing and validating our data tells us we’re doing something right."
The team members who contribute to and manage CCSS’s quality measures truly make all the difference. For example, Bender highlighted the leadership and impact of Kristine Vale, RN and clinical manager of CCSS.
"Kristine’s attention to detail and commitment to quality reporting have been key to our success,” Bender says. “She keeps us informed, prepares thorough audits and ensures we stand out when our data is reviewed. The foundation she’s built around quality has made this award possible."
Minimally invasive techniques with maximum efficiency
With fewer than five similar centers nationwide, CCSS stands out as a leader in outpatient spine care. CCSS surgeons perform between 1,400 and 1,500 procedures annually, with more than 80% focused on spine surgery. Since opening in 2007, the center has been a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery, ensuring positive outcomes for patients.
“Our team specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, which leads to less blood loss, reduced pain and a faster recovery,” says Dr. Hunter Dyer, neurosurgeon with CNSA, physician director of CCSS and a member of the SpineFirst team. “We’ve developed and refined posterior cervical endoscopic foraminotomy – a minimally invasive procedure that helps many patients avoid cervical fusion.”
For the past 10 years, CCSS has made remarkable progress in performing lumbar fusions, such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures. The surgical team has completed around 300 outpatient spinal fusions – procedures that were once only possible in hospitals. By developing specialized techniques for managing pain before and after surgery, the team has made outpatient spine fusions a safe and effective option for many patients.
CCSS operates across three rooms and has become a model of surgical efficiency.
"At our center, most patients recover quickly from anesthesia and are ready to go home within two to three hours of surgery," explains Dyer.
Teamwork and patient-centered care
“From the moment a patient arrives to the moment they go home, it’s a true team effort,” says Meyers. “Everyone is highly professional and knowledgeable in what they do. Our skilled and confident nurses, anesthesia providers and operating room (OR) staff work seamlessly together to deliver a superior surgical experience.”
Meyers offers unparalleled support to the providers and teammates at the center, consistently seeking ways to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. Whether it’s sourcing the right equipment, improving systems or addressing supply needs, she works tirelessly to find the best solutions. Drawing on her nursing background, Meyers doesn’t hesitate to step into the OR when needed, filling in seamlessly to keep surgeries on track and prevent cancellations or delays.
Dyer is known for his dedication to excellence, bedside manner and patient-centered approach to care.
"We’re delivering top-level health care that’s all rooted in collaboration," Dyer says. "Most people who go into this field are naturally team players, and that’s exactly what we’ve built at CCSS, a truly collaborative group.”
In Bender’s eyes, what makes CCSS truly special is everyone’s shared commitment to doing what’s right for the patients, who, as she puts it, are “at the heart of everything we do."
Third-party patient satisfaction surveys consistently show over 90% positive feedback from CCSS patients. According to Bender, patients often feel reassured and even relieved when they learn their procedure will be performed at CCSS.
"They know it’s going to be high-quality care and that they’ll be able to go home the same day,” Bender says, “We wrap our arms around patients to make them feel safe, even though they’re not being treated in a hospital.”
Learn more
Learn more about SpineFirst and discover the region’s best, largest and most experienced team of spine specialists – delivering exceptional care for over 80 years. From advanced diagnostics to surgical and nonsurgical solutions, our team is here to support your spine health journey.
Explore all our care locations, including CCSS and affiliated provider offices across the region.
To schedule an appointment, call 704-831-4000. To request a second opinion, visit SpineFirst.com/second-opinion.
