The Jeep Philosophy
The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery utilizes an innovative philosophy to keep pediatric patients stress-free as they prepare for procedures. Rebecca Rainey, the lead OR nurse for The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery (CMIS), decided to incorporate a Jeep philosophy into the preparation of pediatric patients scheduled for surgery. The impact has been a drive-thru success story.

Understanding the concept
“I was on an airplane reading a copy of ASC Focus Magazine when I saw a remote-controlled truck being used to transfer a pediatric patient to pre-op,” she explained. “I’m a Jeep aficionado, so I wanted to try and find a Jeep that we could use to help our kids enter the procedure area stress-free.”
Rainey found a remote-controlled Jeep and worked with Michelle Corner, the Director of Nursing in approaching upper management. “Everyone was very receptive to the idea,” Corner said. “We explained that having our kids relaxed and comfortable when they enter pre-op and the procedure center was critical to their well-being. They agreed and helped us get the coordinate implementation.”
Using the Jeep in patient care
Today, when a child is getting ready for an outpatient procedure at CMIS, a part of their prep is cruising in style behind the wheel of a bright red Jeep as they enter pre-op. “Our patients enter the area happy, not nervous and upset,” Rainey said. “That’s our goal.”
The unique and innovative philosophy that was used to bring a Jeep into pre-op is standard operating procedure at CMIS. Located at 9200 Calumet Avenue in Munster, CMIS is a multi-specialty outpatient surgery center with a focus on orthopedics, spine, ENT, pediatrics, podiatry and pain management procedures. The mission is to deliver excellent surgical care in a convenient, comfortable, outpatient environment. The CMIS team is dedicated to serving patients in a professional, compassionate manner, meeting their unique needs.
Improved patient care
For Corner and Rainey, pediatrics is personal. “Many healthcare facilities pre-medicate children prior to entering the procedure area,” Corner said. “That can contribute to longer recovery times after the procedure. We choose to find alternatives that avoid extra medication and additional stress.”
Playing games and doing puzzles with children in recovery is part of pediatric patient management, according to Rainey. “It’s less clinical and more like an outing,” she said. “We also let kids tour the area before they have to say goodbye to Mom and Dad. They feel better knowing their surroundings, and that matters to us.”
The Center handles about 130 patients every month, according to Lisa Davis, the Administrator. “Our staff ranges between 20 to 25 employees,” she said. “Our goal is for every patient to get personal one-on-one treatment during their stay.” She pointed out that the Center has incurred zero post-op infections since opening four years ago. “That’s another strong indicator of how we approach patient care.”
Alleviating patient anxiety
Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) like The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery have increased over the past few years. The procedures performed are outpatient in nature. Patients recover and heal much better and faster if they can do so in the comfort of their own home. The goal is to reduce recovery time and do a more thorough job of pain control.
For the younger patients, it’s a chance to drive the totally awesome big red Jeep right into the operating room area for a procedure that’s no longer feared.
Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery serves the Greater Chicago Metro and Northern Indiana area providing pediatrics surgeries. CMI Surgery is dedicated to providing surgical care for patients and their families in a convenient and comfortable outpatient environment. To learn more, contact us today!
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“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
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