Sep 5 2014
Laser Spine Institute, the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, today announced plans to build a new facility to house its Tampa-based headquarters and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in support of growth from local and national expansion efforts. Located in Tampa’s Avion Park, the new 176,000-square-foot facility is expected to help create more than 100 new jobs and extend treatment options to 25 percent more patients.
Laser Spine Institute's planned 176,000 square foot headquarters and ambulatory surgery center in Avion Park, in Tampa's Westshore district. (Photo: Business Wire)
“Tampa has been home to Laser Spine Institute for nearly a decade and as we have grown from nine employees to more than 800 nationwide, we are proud to have done so in a community that shares our vision for innovation and improving today’s health care delivery system,” said Bill Horne, Chief Executive Officer, Laser Spine Institute. “This facility signifies our commitment to the Tampa area, our patients, community partners and growing workforce.”
Overall, Laser Spine Institute had an economic impact of more than $220 million to the Tampa Bay area in 2013 alone. Because its patients and employees directly contribute to the economy through local spending, including restaurants, hospitality services and attractions, the company has contributed more than 2,200 jobs through its own workforce and supporting industries. Those numbers are expected to grow with the new Tampa center as Laser Spine Institute will be able to assist more patients.
“The expansion of Laser Spine Institute, including a new corporate headquarters and spine surgery center in Tampa, is an exciting development for Florida’s economy,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott. “The innovative research and medical care provided by Laser Spine Institute saves lives and has helped Florida become a national leader in health care innovation. I commend their focus on jobs for the next generation that will continue to create long-lasting, high-wage, more resilient careers.”
Building construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed in the first quarter of 2016. Highwoods Properties, Inc. will oversee construction of the facility, with aspects of interior construction, design and engineering to be completed by Precise Construction; Array Architects; Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio, LLC; King Engineering Associates, Inc.; Walter P Moore; and I.C. Thomasson Associates, Inc.
“We are pleased to have been selected by Laser Spine Institute to build their new corporate headquarters and ambulatory surgery center,” said Ed Fritsch, President and Chief Executive Officer, Highwoods Properties, Inc. “Their continued enterprise growth and economic impact is great news for Tampa Bay and speaks highly of the company’s position as a leader in medical innovation and patient care.”
Workforce Investment
The new headquarters will feature a slew of perks intended to better improve work-life balance by making every day employee needs more accessible throughout the work day. In partnership with local vendors and retailers, Laser Spine Institute will conveniently offer discounted concierge services and amenities on-site for employees.
Plans for the space include an online ordering and pick-up option for grocery shopping, a “dinner on-the-go” service from local restaurants, a drop-off and pick-up area for laundry and dry cleaning, an ATM and local banker accessible several hours a week, as well as a hair and nail spa, barber shop, postal service – and even an on-site masseuse.
National Expansion
According to the Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases, neck and back pain represent the single largest reason for patient visits to physician offices and hospitals every year, and this expansion will help to accommodate the growing need of patients seeking minimally invasive, outpatient treatment options and personalized care.
Laser Spine Institute is opening three new centers in Cleveland, St. Louis and Cincinnati, increasing the number of U.S. residents residing within a 250-mile radius of a Laser Spine Institute center by 50 percent.
For those facilities, Laser Spine Institute is expecting to create 50 jobs in each respective local community. The company has been repeatedly named a top employer regionally and nationally by Modern Healthcare, Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Business Journal, Philly.com, okc.BIZ and a Most Admired Company by BestCompaniesAZ.
Since its inception in 2005, Laser Spine Institute has been committed to identifying opportunities that enhance its mission to provide the highest level of patient care and service. Laser Spine Institute currently holds a 96 percent patient satisfaction rate and was recently recognized for outstanding patient satisfaction and care by Voyance Health as both a 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 National APEX Quality Award Winner, determined solely by patient feedback. The company also is seeking designation from Planetree, an international, not-for-profit organization that works with health care organizations that are focused on providing patient-centered environments for care. Laser Spine Institute is currently on track to be the first ambulatory surgery center to receive this certification, which represents the highest level of achievement in patient care based on evidence and standards.