Welcome to Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center

We are an ambulatory surgery center, meaning when choosing us, you have the convenience of returning to your home the same day as your procedure. In addition to convenience, we offer cost-effective, high quality care. We know having surgery can be intimidating, so our goal is to provide a friendly, comfortable experience. Our exceptional team of staff will provide support every step of the way. We look forward to caring for you!

Our Mission

The Mission of Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center is to provide cost effective, efficient ambulatory surgery. We strive to exceed the expectations of both the patients and physicians. We foster a caring atmosphere as a means of touching and caring for all people.

Our History

Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center first opened its doors in January of 2005. What began as an ambitious joint venture between 22 community physicians and St. Joseph’s Medical Center, has now become a well-known and integral part of the healthcare system in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

With nearly 30 providers, our multi-specialty facility sees over 5,000 patients per year. Our four fully-equipped operating rooms, five recovery bays, 17 patient rooms and waiting area provide a warm, welcoming environment.

We have established a reputation for providing exceptional care through our devotion to keeping our patients and their families at the heart of what we do. From our office staff, to nurses and surgery personnel, we use a teamwork approach, and strive to offer a safe, friendly, enjoyable experience.

PROUDLY OWNED BY THE BRAINERD LAKES SURGEONS L.L.C. AND BRAINERD MEDICAL CENTER INC.

Surgeons currently practicing at the surgery center:
Adam Ahlquist
Annette Bartel *
Ross Bengtson *
Eric Chapman *
Gates Cook *
James Dehen *
Troy Duininck *
Mark Hightower
Ethan Kraft
Amy Lelwica *
Nicholas Lesmeister *
Philip Manger *
Joseph Merck
Christopher Metz *
Ashley Nord *
Alicia Prahm
Paul Rud *
David Sabir *
Patricia Segler
Steven Senica
Stacy Sjoberg *
Kirsten Sjostrand
Jessica Tabatt
Paul Thompson *
Kurt Waters *
*Physicians holding partial ownership in Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center

Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center (BLSC) is a fully accredited facility by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC).

This is the highest third-party recognition that a surgery center can achieve and is considered to be the gold standard for the industry. To achieve this status, BLSC had to complete a comprehensive review of its quality of care as well as undergo a rigorous site visit to ensure the center’s operations and facilities met or exceeded prescribed standards.

What our patients say

A family member of ours recently had a procedure with Dr. Kraft, we cannot speak more highly about the surgery center and their whole team, from reception to discharge. Everyone was kind, compassionate, informative and gave us multiple opportunities/ time to process and ask questions. We are very grateful for them!
Kelsey V
Google Reviews
I just got out from my nasal polyp removal; the doctors and nurses were kind and amazing. The Anesthesiologist asked me about my favorite band and when I told him, he pulled up Prizmax's song Mysterious Eyes for me as I was going under!

they were caring and kept checking in to see if I was doing okay before and after the procedure. Would recommend this place to friends and family big time :D
Dark S
Google Reviews
Dr Paul Thompson and all of the staff I dealt with were absolutely at the top of there game!!! I have had four surgeries at the surgery center by Dr. Thompson and his staff and have been treated wonderful every time. Thank you all for doing such a great job! <3
Kimberly B
Google Reviews
Being somewhat new to the area I was hesitant to know what care we would get. Dr. Colin Zdenek did my foot surgery and he has been awesome to work with. The surgery staff also was way above excellent. Caring, compassionate, kind and very knowledgeable. I definitely would recommend the Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center.
Jabs M
Google Reviews
Very happy here. My wife and I have both had surgeries here and experienced great things! The nursing staff are friendly and helpful. Dr. Hecker was really great to have for anesthesia. Can't say enough good about the place.
Andy G
Google Reviews
I had a minor procedure done today, but you would never known because Dr. Lelwica and her staff went above and beyond to be sure that I was taken care of and comfortable. They were professional, kind, and I would not hesitate to pick them again if I need another surgery!
David Q
Google Reviews
Proudly owned by Brainerd Lakes Surgeons, L.L.C. and Brainerd Medical Center Inc.

Contact details

Your Medical Information.
We are happy to fulfill your request for release of your medical records.
Print this pdf form and bring it in.

Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved. -
Website by Mixture Web

Advance Directive

For information regarding Advance Directives, please contact your healthcare provider or follow the link below.

https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/infobulletins/advdir.html

Preparing for your Total Joint Replacement

• Register for your preoperative class 218-454-8469.

• Begin your pre-operative exercises as shown in your guidebook.

• Choose your coach.

• Stop Smoking.

• Maintain or achieve a healthy weight.

• Schedule your preoperative physical and any needed lab work.

• Prepare your home- adjust furniture to clear walking paths and remove all throw rugs. Have a comfortable, supportive chair for after surgery.

Medications and supplements to avoid before surgery

Avoid these non-sterodial anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
Actron Caplets
Advil
Advil Migraine
Aleve
Altran
Anapox DS
Ansaid
Arthrotec
Bayer Select Pain Relief
Formula Caplets
Children's Motrin
ClinorilV
Daypro
Diclofenac
Etodolac
Feldene
Fenoprofen
Flurbiprofen
Genpril
Ibuprin
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Indocin
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Lodine
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Meloxicam
Menadol
Midol 1B
Mobic
Motrin IB
Nabumetone
Nalfon
Naproxen
Naprosyn
nuprin
Orudis KT
Oxaprozin
PediaCare Fever
Prioxicam
Ponstel
Relafen
Saleto 200
Sulindac
Toradol
Voltaren
Avoid these Vitamin E Products (and all multivitamins with vitamin E)
Amino-Opt-E
dalpha E
E-complex-600
Aquasol E
E-400IU
Vita-Plus E
Aquavit
E-1000 IU Softgels
All multivitamins
Medicines to Take Instead
You can take acetaminophen and products that contain it. They do not affect your platelets and will not increas your chance of bleeding. Do not take more than 4 grams in one day: very high doses can cause liver damage.

The patient has the right to:

Be treated with respect, consideration, dignity and allotted the appropriate privacy. It is the right of all patients whether competent or incompetent to have a legal representative or surrogate make decisions on their behalf.

Know the name of the physician who has primary responsibility for coordinating his or her care and the names and professional relationships of other physicians who will see this patient; it is their right to change their provider if other qualified providers are available. Know that ownership of the surgery center may include the surgeon that is responsible for their care.

Receive information in a language or manner primarily used by the patient from the physician or surgery center regarding their condition, course of treatment and prospects for recovery in “easy to understand” terminology, in order to give informed consent or to refuse this course of treatment. The patient has the right to be fully informed about a treatment or procedure and the expected outcome before it is performed. As directed by the patient, information may be provided to a designated person [patient’s representative or surrogate].

Actively participate in decisions regarding his/her medical care, to the extent permitted by law. It is the patient’s right to refuse treatment; including the right to refuse to participate in experimental research.

Be free from all forms of abuse or harassment; to exercise his or her rights without being subject to discrimination or reprisal.

Receive “Advanced Directives” information; understanding that if the patient’s condition would deteriorate when the patient is in the surgery center, by anesthesia orders, the patient will be aggressively treated and transferred to the hospital for further care.

Have active involvement in the management of their pain, appropriate to condition or situation. To have aggressive management if the patient’s pain is considered to be in an acute phase.

Privacy. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and will be conducted discreetly. The patient’s written permission shall be obtained before medical records can be made available to anyone not directly concerned with the patient’s care. Ask that your medical record be corrected if you believe it is not accurate or not complete, or to be told how to add a statement that you disagree with information in the record.

Leave Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center even against medical advice.

Be informed by the physician or delegate of continued health care requirements following discharge from Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center.

Exercise these rights without regard to sex or culture, economic, educational, or religious background; without being subjected to discrimination or reprisal; without regard to the source of payment for his or her care.

Complain about medical care given; to be informed of available resources for resolving disputes, grievances, and conflicts; without fear of reprisal; and have access to state and federal assistance in clarifying ethical issues guiding treatment decisions, and to participate in the resolution of those issues.

Grievances about your medical care, you may call or contact:

The surgery center’s administration at 218-822-2400.
The MN Dept. of Health and Human Services representative [@ MDH] during working hours at 651-201-4201 or toll free from anywhere in the country by calling
1-800-369-7994.

Federal: 1-800-633-4227 Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman
https://www.medicare.gov/claims-appeals