Lake Havasu Health Center Set to Welcome Patients This January

Construction of a new surgery center in Lake Havasu City is nearing completion, with operations set to commence in January, according to Mike Clark, CEO of Community Health Development Partners (CHDP). This facility will offer a range of surgical services while reducing healthcare costs for patients in the area.

Clark, who took on the CEO role in September and is familiar with local healthcare as a former employee of Kingman Regional Medical Center, revealed that the center has experienced delays related to state licensing. Initially, the opening was targeted for December.

The surgery center will be equipped with four operating rooms, two procedure rooms, a cardiac catheterization lab, and 14 pre and post-operative beds. While most procedures will allow for same-day discharge, some patients can stay overnight if necessary.

This center is designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional hospitals. Clark noted that ambulatory surgery centers typically receive lower payments because they do not offer emergency services. “Government payers and commercial insurers appreciate these centers for their focus on less complex, outpatient procedures,” he explained.

Clark added that advancements in technology and surgical techniques have broadened the range of surgeries eligible to be performed in outpatient centers. He cited that approximately 70% to 80% of surgeries conducted in hospitals could be done at ambulatory surgery centers, making them viable alternatives.

Adjacent to the surgical facility, a medical office will conduct pre- and post-operative visits. CHDP’s affiliated nonprofit, Community Health Development Foundation, will also run a community space within the building aimed at promoting health initiatives.

The surgery center is expected to operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, renovation efforts are underway at Star Cinemas, where part of the complex will be transformed into a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. Stephanie Wilson, who is collaborating with the theater’s owner on the project, indicated that demolition work is finished, and construction for the new space will kick off by the end of this year, aiming for a summer 2025 opening. The restaurant will feature a spacious 6,275-square-foot interior alongside a patio area, enhancing dining and sports entertainment options in the community.