Does it really matter where you have surgery? Jai Bikhchandani, MD, a Colon and Rectal Surgeon with St. Elizabeth Physicians, thinks so. Here, he shares what makes St. Elizabeth Healthcare a standout choice for surgical care.
How does St. Elizabeth ensure patient safety and quality of care in its surgical programs?
Dr. Bikhchandani: St. Elizabeth is a community hospital, but its approach to patient safety and quality of care matches — or even exceeds — what you’d find at major academic centers. I’ve practiced on three continents, and I can confidently say St. Elizabeth is among the best when it comes to quality and safety.
We have multiple quality departments across St. Elizabeth Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Physicians. Every detail matters. After every surgery, our team reviews the procedure, discusses opportunities for improvement and identifies ways to support the patient’s recovery best. We even handle small details, like the communication between teams and patients, with care.
How does St. Elizabeth use the latest technology, such as robotic-assisted surgery?
Dr. Bikhchandani: The access to robotic surgery at St. Elizabeth is unmatched for a community hospital system. We operate seven robotic surgery suites across multiple campuses. That’s an exceptional level of access for a community health system.
Beyond robotics, our facilities include high-resolution ultrasound machines, radioactive dye detectors for breast cancer and specialized diagnostic tools like manometry for colorectal care. We strive to offer the most advanced equipment needed to deliver excellent surgical outcomes.
What accreditations has St. Elizabeth earned that reflect its commitment to excellence?
Dr. Bikhchandani: One way we measure our performance is through participation in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). This national program tracks surgical outcomes, including infection rates and other post-operative complications, across a wide range of specialties.
Our team reviews this data regularly to ensure we’re meeting the highest standards in patient care. It’s a robust, transparent way to hold ourselves accountable and continuously improve.
Can you tell us about the experience and qualifications of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare surgical teams?
Dr. Bikhchandani: Our teams truly care about the patients they serve. Everyone — from surgeons to nurses to support staff — is committed to safety and positive outcomes.
There’s a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork throughout the surgical units. We’re all working toward the same goal: doing what’s best for each patient. You feel that sense of mission here every day.
How does St. Elizabeth ensure a smooth and comfortable patient experience before, during and after surgery?
Dr. Bikhchandani: Communication is a major strength. Families receive frequent phone updates during surgery. After surgery, I always sit down and explain how everything went. If unexpected concerns arise during a procedure, I involve the family in the discussion. This commitment to shared decision-making is a core value for surgeons at St. Elizabeth Physicians.
St. Elizabeth also has a strong Pre-Admission Testing program to evaluate patients for surgery and tailor anesthesia and surgical planning to their needs. We have a thorough checklist system that ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
What steps does St. Elizabeth take to maintain a clean, modern, and welcoming environment for patients and their families?
Dr. Bikhchandani: We prioritize cleanliness, efficiency and patient convenience. I know this not only as a surgeon but as a father. Two years ago, my daughter had arthroscopic surgery at St. Elizabeth. We were in and out in a few hours, with an excellent surgical outcome. That experience confirmed what I already knew: our teams take great care of our patients at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
How do St. Elizabeth locations make surgery more convenient and accessible for patients in the community?
Dr. Bikhchandani: We have multiple surgery locations across Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. That’s not something every health system can offer. Whether you’re in Edgewood, Florence, Fort Thomas or Dearborn, Ind., you’re likely close to a St. Elizabeth facility.
This local access means shorter wait times, easier scheduling and less stress for patients and families. “I’m Right Here,” reflects our unwavering support.
What would you say to someone who is considering surgery and wants to feel confident in choosing St. Elizabeth?
Dr. Bikhchandani: I tell my patients this all the time: St. Elizabeth offers some of the best care you can get, close to home. Our teams are loyal, experienced and fully committed to quality and safety. We put patients first, every time.
Dr. Bikhchandani provides patient care at his office at 20 Medical Village Drive in Edgewood, Ky, and performs surgeries at multiple St. Elizabeth locations.
To learn more about surgery at St. Elizabeth Healthcare or to schedule a consultation, call (800) 737-7900.
