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SANFORD HEALTH SANFORD CLINIC WATERTOWN SURGICAL CTR is a Medicare-certified ambulatory surgery center located in WATERTOWN, SD, offering same-day outpatient surgical procedures. Google rating: 3.2 out of 5 from 36 reviews.

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SANFORD HEALTH SANFORD CLINIC WATERTOWN SURGICAL CTR

watertown, SDMedicare Certified

Location & Directions

Address

901 4TH ST. NW

WATERTOWN, SD

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(605) 886-8471

Service Area

This provider serves patients in WATERTOWN and surrounding areas in SD.

Contact this surgery center for service area details

Note on Service Area

This ambulatory surgery center serves patients in the surrounding area. Contact this surgery center directly to confirm service availability in your specific location.

Procedures Performed

Common outpatient procedures performed at this ambulatory surgery center, based on reported specialties.

Ophthalmology (Eye Surgery)6
Cataract SurgeryThe clouded natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one. It is one of the most common outpatient procedures performed in the country, usually takes under 30 minutes per eye, and is done under light sedation with numbing drops rather than general anesthesia.LASIK / Refractive SurgeryA laser reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, reducing dependence on glasses or contacts. The procedure itself takes minutes per eye. Vision is often noticeably better within a day, though it can take several weeks to fully stabilize.Glaucoma SurgeryCreates a new drainage path for fluid inside the eye to lower internal pressure. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve silently, so the goal is preventing further vision loss rather than restoring vision already lost. Several minimally invasive options are now performed in outpatient settings.Retinal SurgeryRepairs the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, most often for a detached or torn retina, or for bleeding related to diabetes. Timing matters — a detaching retina is treated urgently because delay increases the risk of permanent vision loss.Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)Removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. When drooping upper lids block part of the visual field, the procedure is functional rather than cosmetic and is often covered by insurance if visual field testing documents the obstruction.Corneal TransplantReplaces damaged or clouded corneal tissue with donor tissue. Modern techniques often replace only the affected layer rather than the full thickness, which shortens recovery. Vision improves gradually over months, and stitches may stay in place for a year or longer.
Orthopaedic Surgery6
Knee ArthroscopyA camera and small instruments are inserted through incisions the size of a buttonhole to repair cartilage, trim a torn meniscus, or remove loose fragments. Because the joint is not opened fully, recovery is far faster than traditional open knee surgery.Shoulder ArthroscopyUses a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions to repair the shoulder joint — commonly for impingement, labral tears, or damaged cartilage. Most patients go home the same day and begin physical therapy within the first week.ACL ReconstructionRebuilds the torn anterior cruciate ligament using a graft, since a fully torn ACL does not heal on its own. The surgery itself is outpatient, but returning to cutting and pivoting sports typically takes nine to twelve months of structured rehabilitation.Rotator Cuff RepairReattaches torn tendons in the shoulder to the bone. Pain relief often comes well before strength does — a sling is typical for several weeks and full recovery commonly takes four to six months, with physical therapy doing much of the work.Carpal Tunnel ReleaseCuts the ligament pressing on the median nerve at the wrist to relieve numbness, tingling, and night pain in the hand. The procedure takes about 15 minutes under local anesthesia. Night symptoms often improve immediately; grip strength returns over several weeks.Joint ReplacementDamaged joint surfaces are replaced with implants, most commonly at the knee or hip. Once exclusively a hospital procedure, selected healthy patients now have this done at surgery centers and go home the same day with a structured recovery plan.
Otolaryngology (ENT Surgery)6
Tonsillectomy / AdenoidectomyThe tonsils and sometimes the adenoids are removed for repeated infections or sleep-disordered breathing. Recovery is notably harder for adults than children, with significant throat pain for a week or more and a real emphasis on staying hydrated.Ear Tube PlacementTiny tubes are placed through the eardrum to drain fluid and ventilate the middle ear, most often for children with recurrent ear infections. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and the tubes usually fall out on their own within a year.Sinus Surgery (FESS)A camera and instruments passed through the nostrils open blocked sinus drainage pathways, with no external incisions. Considered for chronic sinusitis that has not improved with medication. Congestion often worsens briefly before it improves.SeptoplastyThe wall of cartilage and bone between the nostrils is straightened to improve airflow through a blocked side. It addresses breathing rather than external appearance, though it is sometimes combined with cosmetic reshaping.Turbinate ReductionSwollen tissue inside the nose is shrunk to improve airflow, frequently at the same time as septoplasty. Often the difference between a nose that is structurally straight and one that actually feels open.LaryngoscopyA scope examines the voice box and vocal cords, used for persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or throat pain that has not resolved. Small lesions can sometimes be biopsied or removed during the same procedure.
Obstetrics & Gynecology6
HysteroscopyA slim camera passed through the cervix examines the inside of the uterus, and can remove polyps or fibroids in the same visit. No abdominal incision is involved. Cramping for a day or two afterward is normal.LaparoscopyA camera and instruments are inserted through small abdominal incisions, allowing diagnosis and treatment without a large open incision. Used for endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain, with recovery measured in days rather than weeks.D&C (Dilation and Curettage)The cervix is dilated and the uterine lining removed, for heavy bleeding, after a miscarriage, or to obtain tissue for diagnosis. The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes and most people return to normal activity within a day or two.Tubal LigationThe fallopian tubes are sealed, cut, or removed to provide permanent contraception. It should be considered irreversible — reversal is not reliably successful, so it is intended for people certain they do not want future pregnancy.Endometrial AblationThe uterine lining is destroyed to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding, offering an alternative to hysterectomy. It is not a contraceptive, and it is only appropriate for those who have completed childbearing.Ovarian Cyst RemovalA persistent, enlarging, or painful ovarian cyst is removed, usually laparoscopically. Surgeons generally aim to remove the cyst while preserving the ovary itself, particularly for patients who may want future pregnancy.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery6
Breast Augmentation / ReductionBreast size is increased by placing implants, or decreased by removing breast tissue and skin and repositioning the remaining tissue. Reduction is often performed to relieve back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by breast weight.RhinoplastySurgery that reshapes the nose by altering the bone and cartilage beneath the skin. It is performed to change appearance, to correct breathing problems caused by internal structure, or both. Swelling takes months to fully resolve.FaceliftLiposuctionFat is suctioned out from beneath the skin through small tubes called cannulas, reshaping a specific area such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. It targets localized deposits and is a contouring procedure rather than a method of weight loss.Wound ReconstructionRebuilds skin and underlying tissue where a wound is too large or too damaged to close directly. Surgeons move nearby tissue, or transfer skin and muscle from elsewhere on the body, to cover the defect. Often follows trauma, infection, or cancer removal.Skin GraftingHealthy skin is taken from one area of the body and transplanted to cover a wound or burn elsewhere. Both the graft site and the donor site need care, and the donor site is often the more uncomfortable of the two.
Podiatry (Foot & Ankle Surgery)6
Bunion Correction (Bunionectomy)The bony prominence at the base of the big toe is removed and the bone realigned, often with screws or plates. Recovery involves weeks in a protective shoe or boot, and swelling can persist for several months.Hammertoe CorrectionA toe permanently bent at the middle joint is straightened, sometimes with a temporary pin holding the correction. Considered when the toe rubs painfully in shoes or has developed calluses and sores.Plantar Fascia ReleaseThe tight band of tissue along the bottom of the foot is partially released to relieve stubborn heel pain. Reserved for cases that have not improved after months of stretching, orthotics, and other conservative treatment.Ankle ArthroscopyA small camera and instruments treat problems inside the ankle joint — impingement, loose fragments, or damaged cartilage — through incisions a few millimeters wide, avoiding a larger open exposure.Ingrown Toenail RemovalThe edge of a nail growing into the surrounding skin is removed under local anesthesia. When the problem keeps recurring, the nail-forming tissue at that edge is also treated so it does not grow back.Foot Fracture RepairBroken bones in the foot are realigned and stabilized with hardware so they heal in position. Because the foot bears your full weight with every step, alignment matters more here than the small bone size suggests.

Procedure list is based on CMS-reported specialty designations. Contact the facility to confirm specific procedures offered.

Browse all procedures by specialtyCommon questions about outpatient surgery

Patient Experience Scores

Overall: 94/100 (+1 vs natl avg 93)

Based on 132 surveys · 23% response rate

OAS CAHPS scores are linear means (0–100) from Medicare patient surveys. Higher is better. National averages shown for comparison.

Overall RatingPatients who gave the facility a high overall rating
94+1 vs national avg (93)
0↑ natl avg100
Would RecommendPatients who would definitely recommend this facility
94+2 vs national avg (92)
0↑ natl avg100
StaffPatients who rated staff care and professionalism highly
100+4 vs national avg (96)
0↑ natl avg100
CommunicationPatients who felt staff communicated well about their care
96+2 vs national avg (94)
0↑ natl avg100
Source: OAS CAHPS (Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery CAHPS) Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Scores are linear means on a 0–100 scale.

Safety Metrics

Safe Surgery Checklist: 90.1% (natl avg ~97%)

Safe Surgery Checklist

% of surgical patients for whom a safe surgery checklist was used (ASC-9). Higher is better.

90.1%

natl avg ~97%

Hospital Transfer Rate

% of patients transferred to a hospital during or after their procedure (ASC-4). Lower is better.

0.17%

natl avg ~1.0%

Source: CMS ASC Quality Reporting Program. Data reflects Medicare patient outcomes reported by the facility.

Affiliated Surgeons

Surgeons affiliated with this facility based on NPPES NPI registry data.

ALAN R CHRISTENSEN, MD

Surgery

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ALLEN L HOEKMAN, MD

Pediatrics

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AMY L WAGONER, MD

Family Medicine

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AMY SCHMIDT

Nurse Practitioner (Family)

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BETHANY K SCHULTZ, CNP

Nurse Practitioner (Family)

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CALVIN A ROSETH, MD

Internal Medicine

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+ 14 more affiliated surgeons on record

Surgeon affiliations are sourced from CMS NPPES data and may not reflect current practice arrangements. Contact the facility to confirm.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Guides covering what to expect before, during, and after outpatient surgery.

What to Expect: Cataract Surgery
The procedure, the day of, and how vision changes after.
What to Expect: LASIK
Who it suits, what it costs, and recovery.
Knee Arthroscopy Recovery Timeline
Week by week, what to expect after.
Pre-Op Preparation Checklist
What to do in the weeks before your procedure, from two weeks out to the morning of.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Arrival, check-in, the procedure itself, and discharge.
Understanding Anesthesia at an ASC
Sedation types, who administers it, and how recovery differs.
Browse all patient resources

Explore More Surgery Centers

Compare this facility with others nearby.

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4.2(20)
RIVERS EDGE AESTHETIC SURGERY LLC
Sioux Falls, SD· nearby
5.0(39)
PLASTIC SURGICAL CENTER OF RAPID CITY PROF LLC
Rapid City, SD· nearby
5.0(2)
VANCE THOMPSON VISION SURGERY CENTER PROF LLC DBA VANCE THOMPSON VISION SURGERY CENTER
Sioux Falls, SD· nearby
4.9(4590)
OPHTHALMOLOGY LTD EYE SURGERY CENTER LLC
Sioux Falls, SD· nearby
4.9(2275)
Other surgery centers in Watertown, SDBrowse all South Dakota surgery centers

Google Reviews

3.2
36 reviews
Ketted Blood

Ketted Blood

Staff there doesn’t care. Takes as long as a laundry load to be done for them to come in and check on you. Hospitality is terrible. Nobody would even bring their dying dog here, even in dier need. People would rather drive an hour or so from here for more respect, and hospitality. Nurses won’t care, tell you to go home and take ibuprofen even for dier care needs. Do better Watertown Sanford, and learn how to properly treat society, and the ones that need help! (This is coming from someone that’s part of the public that could’ve died because of this hospital. Steer clear, and you’re better off driving a hour or so to Sioux Falls Sanford instead! Where they will actually care about your health, and serve you proper hospitality! Don’t go to Watertown where they sit in the center area and let the lights and machines go off for minutes! Especially Sanford clinic lab lady named Ashley, highly rude, little to no respect to the patients! Again, do better Watertown. And stop running for the money, and more of caring for society’s needs and health!)

Verified Google review
Kyle Boyer

Kyle Boyer

Having been rushed through primary care appointments and my healthcare symptoms/concerns being consistently dismissed. Very frustrated and disappointed in the level of “care” provided, lack of communication, and compassion.

Verified Google review
Miss “TorturedMirror” B.

Miss “TorturedMirror” B.

I've had pretty much 5 star service with the doctors and reception staff. But there one nurse who should reconsider her career path. I don't know her last name but Ashley should probably get it therapy to figure out why she decided to be a nurse only to be so rude to patients that she makes the doctor look bad. Dr Darnelle is a good doctor but I switched because this nurse was terrible. Maybe she came from Florida and got her education from one of those fake colleges and that's why her bedside manner is nonexistent or she's just a Regina georgeesque mean girl, but patients, beware she makes her disdain known for her job.

Verified Google review
Ashley Rieger

Ashley Rieger

Dr Hopper and her nursing staff are absolutely amazing! She has been one of the best doctors I've been to. Her nurse is also amazing, very compassionate, willing to listen and answer your questions. I wish she did more than just obstetrics. Some of the other family practitioners I don't care for. I don't feel like they take your illness seriously and give you what you know you need.

Verified Google review
Heather Christman

Heather Christman

I absolutely LOVED my doctor (Dr. Ellen Hopper). She is kind, she listens to everything you say, she remembers her patients, and when there’s an issue she tries everything to find an answer. Her nurses are phenomenal as well. One of the biggest complaints I have is that EVERY time I call to schedule an appointment, I try to explain to the scheduler what’s going on and she interrupts me and puts me on hold. After being on hold, she comes back to tell me what kind of appointment I need, I then have to try to explain my situation AGAIN, I then get put on hold again, and finally get the appointment I need. It’s very frustrating because it happens every time. The care I get from my doctor and nurses outweighs the negatives with the scheduler though.

Verified Google review
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Reviews from Google Places for SANFORD HEALTH SANFORD CLINIC WATERTOWN SURGICAL CTR. These are real experiences shared by patients.

Contact

Phone

(605) 886-8471

Website

www.sanfordhealth.org/locations/sanford-watertown-clinic?yxt_info=healthcare-facility-fc25915d-7261-45b4-ad33-5aa9ee9a28c3&y_source=1_MTA2MTkwMjktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

Years in Operation

13 years

Est. 2013

Ownership

Non-Profit

Accreditation

Joint Commission

Operating Rooms

2

Specialties

OphthalmologyOrthopaedic SurgeryOtolaryngologyObstetrics & GynecologyPlastic and Reconstructive SurgeryDental SurgeryPodiatry
Medicare Certified

Verify quality data on the official CMS source:

View on Medicare.gov

Questions to Ask

  • •Does my insurance cover this procedure here?
  • •What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure?
  • •What is the facility's hospital transfer rate?
  • •What anesthesia options are available?
  • •What is the recovery process and follow-up care?
  • •Are there pre-op requirements (labs, fasting, etc.)?