A new chapter in healthcare has begun for Northern Michigan as the Gaylord Surgery Center has officially received accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and Medicare certification, marking its readiness to serve patients throughout Gaylord and the surrounding region.
The milestone represents years of planning, collaboration and commitment to expanding access to safe, high-quality surgical care closer to where patients live and work. The Gaylord Surgery Center, an over $15 million investment by Munson Healthcare, is officially open and welcoming patients for a variety of outpatient surgical procedures including:
- Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
- General Surgery
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Procedures, including colonoscopies
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics, including hand procedures and total joint surgeries
- Podiatry
- Urology
Designed around the needs of patients and families, the center offers a modern, convenient setting for same-day surgical care. By combining advanced technology, experienced physicians, highly skilled clinical teams and streamlined processes, the Gaylord Surgery Center provides an efficient alternative to traditional hospital-based surgery for appropriate procedures. Patients benefit from personalized care, shorter stays, quicker recovery times and the comfort of returning home the same day.
The new facility also strengthens healthcare access throughout Northern Michigan, reducing travel times for many patients and helping ensure that specialized surgical services remain available within the communities they call home.
"This is an exciting day for our patients, physicians, staff and the entire Gaylord community," said Dr. James Shurlow, Medical Director of the Gaylord Surgery Center. "Achieving AAAHC accreditation and Medicare certification validates the extraordinary work that has gone into building a center focused on quality, safety and patient experience. Most importantly, it means patients can receive exceptional surgical care close to home, surrounded by the support of their families and community."
The Gaylord Surgery Center reflects a growing commitment to expanding healthcare options in Northern Michigan and meeting the evolving needs of patients through innovative, outpatient-focused care models.
"This facility is much more than surgery," Dr. Shurlow added. "It's about access, convenience and investing in the future of healthcare for our region. When patients can receive high-quality care locally, they spend less time traveling and more time recovering. We are proud to bring this level of service to Gaylord and believe the positive impact will be felt throughout Northern Michigan for years to come."
As an accredited and certified ambulatory surgery center, the facility operates under rigorous standards designed to ensure patient safety, quality outcomes and operational excellence. The center's physician-led approach focuses on delivering efficient, specialized care in a setting built specifically around outpatient surgery.
Patients interested in learning more about the Gaylord Surgery Center, available procedures, participating physicians and scheduling information can visit www.gaylordsurgerycenter.com or call 989-731‑3650.