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Home > CA Providers > Spine Surgeons

Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD

(Dr. Lance Eugene Gravely, MD)

(4 Ratings)

Specializes in: Spine Surgery and Neurosurgery

University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine (1998)

Professional interests include: peripheral nerve surgery, brain surgery, cervical laminoplasty, and more.

50 Alessandro Place Suite 340
Pasadena, CA 91105

(323) 221-1302

Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD is a spine surgeon in Encino, CA specializing in spine surgery and neurosurgery. He graduated from University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine in 1998 and has 28 years of experience. Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD is affiliated with Providence, Valley Presbyterian Hospital and Lance Gravely, MD.

Office Locations

Lance Gravely, MD

16661 Ventura Boulevard Suite 506
Encino, CA 91436

(323) 221-1302

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18321 Ventura Boulevard Suite #830
Tarzana, CA 91365

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50 Alessandro Place Suite 340
Pasadena, CA 91105

(323) 221-1302

(323) 221-1502

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Some issues Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD can help you with:

Craniotomy

Craniotomy and craniectomy are surgical procedures used to access the brain and treat tumors, intracranial pressure, or other conditions. These surgeries are performed by creating holes in the skull, or cranium, to expose the brain. The opening in the skull can be immediately replaced (craniotomy), or it can be replaced during a later procedure (craniectomy). The following procedures use craniotomy or craniectomy:

Brain biopsy, which is done by guiding a needle through the opening in the skull to the targeted area of the brain. This procedure may be performed through an open or minimally invasive approach. The minimally invasive approach, called stereotactic brain biopsy, uses a computer to guide the needle.
Brain tumor resection, which may be performed following a biopsy with image guidance. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, resection will require 2-5 hours.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair, particularly for leaks that continue for a long period of time after a surgery. CSF leaks that are left untreated can lead to complications such as meningitis, an inflammation of the outer layers (meninges) of the brain.
Decompression, often following a stroke or injury. Decompressive craniotomy or craniectomy temporarily removes a flap from the skull to give the brain more room for swelling, which provides pressure relief.
Hematoma evacuation, which can also relieve pressure on the brain. A hematoma is a swelling of clotted blood. It can occur between the skull and the outer covering of the brain, or dura (epidural), between the dura and the brain (subdural), and within the brain (intracerebral). Craniotomy or craniectomy may be used to access and remove the hematoma.

To perform a craniotomy, the surgeon will need to make an incision on the scalp to expose the skull. Some of the hair may be shaved, and the scalp will be cleaned with antiseptic solution. Following the incision, the surgeon will use a drill to remove a piece of the skull, called a bone or skull flap. If the surgeon needs to reach a tumor or perform an aspiration, the dura, which covers the brain, will be incised (cut) to access the lesion. The bone flap will be reattached once the surgeon has completed the procedure. If the surgeon is performing a craniectomy, the same steps will be followed, but a mesh piece will be placed where the bone flap was, and the scalp will be surgically closed. Patients will need to wear a special helmet for a few months after the procedure. The bone flap will be preserved and replaced during a later operation, or it may never be replaced.

Patient recovery period can range from two days to two weeks, depending on the specific procedure and condition. Patient will require monitoring and may be given medication for pain or brain swelling. Patients will have to restrict their physical activity for some time after the procedure, and they may need to work with a physical therapist.

Hydrocephalus

Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.

Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.

In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.

There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.

Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.

Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:

Curvature disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis, a disorder that causes vertebrae to slip over each other
Significant spinal fractures that cause instability
Weakened spine due to infection or tumor
Some cases of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column
Chronic lower back pain (although the use of fusion to treat this is controversial)

Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 25%

By Volume:

inpatient hospital care

In 2012, Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD performed more inpatient hospital care (for patient admitted to hospital) procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of providers in related specialties within California.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2012 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	62
inpatient care	62

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2013 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	72
inpatient care	72

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	28
Female	27

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	28
Black	0
Hispanic	13
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	12
From 75 to 84	17
85 and over	14
Less than 65	12

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	47
Ischemic Heart Disease	55
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	24
Atrial Fibrilation	27
Heart Failure	40
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	31
Diabetes	53
Dementia	31
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2014 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	66
inpatient care	66

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	22
Female	27

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	23
Black	0
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	17
85 and over	12
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	49
Ischemic Heart Disease	69
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	49
Dementia	35
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2015 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	53
inpatient care	53

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	24
Female	70

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	44
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	24
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	36
From 75 to 84	30
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	72
Stroke	62
Ischemic Heart Disease	60
Depression	47
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	26
Diabetes	47
Dementia	40
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2016 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	88
inpatient care	88

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	25
Female	26

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	29
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	16
From 75 to 84	17
85 and over	18
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	35
Ischemic Heart Disease	55
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	59
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	39
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	39
Dementia	37
Cancer	22

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2017 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	73
inpatient care	73

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	26
Female	26

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	28
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	20
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	38
Ischemic Heart Disease	60
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	56
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	44
Dementia	40
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2018 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	105
inpatient care	105

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	33
Female	40

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	38
Black	0
Hispanic	20
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	15
From 75 to 84	25
85 and over	19
Less than 65	14

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	34
Ischemic Heart Disease	55
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	63
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	22
Atrial Fibrilation	22
Heart Failure	48
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	29
Diabetes	49
Dementia	41
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2019 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	31
hospital care	122
inpatient care	122

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	53
Female	45

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	50
Black	0
Hispanic	14
Asian	21
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	31
From 75 to 84	39
85 and over	17
Less than 65	11

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	73
Stroke	39
Ischemic Heart Disease	56
Depression	55
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	43
Dementia	41
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2020 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	111
inpatient care	111

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	50
Female	37

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	45
Black	0
Hispanic	16
Asian	13
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	30
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	24
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	29
Ischemic Heart Disease	56
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	55
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	38
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	47
Dementia	45
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2021 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	138
inpatient care	138

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	41
Female	51

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	38
Black	0
Hispanic	23
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	23
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	32
Less than 65	13

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	35
Ischemic Heart Disease	51
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	64
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	43
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	50
Dementia	38
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

hospital care	109
inpatient care	109

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	37
Female	48

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	40
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	21
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	28
85 and over	25
Less than 65	12

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	55
Ischemic Heart Disease	59
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	34
Heart Failure	35
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	31
Diabetes	54
Dementia	31
Cancer	19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Encino, CA were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit	31
hospital care	90
inpatient care	90

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD.

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	36

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	7
Non-Hispanic White	33
Hispanic	8
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	19
85 and over	14
Less than 65	5
65 to 74	18

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	38
Ischemic Heart Disease	52
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	1
Osteoporosis	9
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	43
Atrial Fibrillation	12
Cancer	9
Dementia	34

Education & Training

Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD graduated from University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine in 1998. He completed residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine (1998)

Residency: Northwestern Memorial Hospital (2004)

Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence

Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Lance Gravely, MD

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA PPO, CIGNA HMO, Blue Shield of California, Medicare Advantage, Humana Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross HMO, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Health Net PPO, Health Net HMO, OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (United Behavioral Health), Blue Preferred PPO networks, Health Net Cal MediConnect HMO, ChoiceHumana PPO, Oscar EPO, CoventryFirst Health PPO and Health Net - Covered CA HMO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

CIGNA PPO

CIGNA HMO

Blue Shield of California

Medicare Advantage

Humana Medicare Advantage

TRICARE

Medicare

Anthem Blue Cross HMO

Anthem Blue Cross PPO

Health Net PPO

Health Net HMO

OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (United Behavioral Health)

Blue Preferred PPO networks

Health Net Cal MediConnect HMO

ChoiceHumana PPO

Oscar EPO

CoventryFirst Health PPO

Health Net - Covered CA HMO

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 4 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Encino, CA.

Overall Rating

(4 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Lance E. Gravely, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Choice Spine, LLC	$269 VEO $269
Kyocera Medical Technologies, Inc.	$187 $187
NUVASIVE, INC.	$65 Thoracolumbar $65
DePuy Synthes Sales Inc.	$46 BACTISEAL $46
Medtronic, Inc.	$33 STRATA $33
Other	$108 Mobi C $26	Spinal Implant $20	BioSurgery - FLOSEAL $19	Cervical and Trauma Therapies $18	$24

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$673
Gift	$23
Education	$11

Biography

Dr. Lance Gravely's areas of specialization are spine surgery, general surgery, and neurosurgery; he sees patients in Encino, CA, Pasadena, CA, and Tarzana, CA. His education and training includes medical school at the University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine and residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. His areas of expertise include spinal embolization, bypass surgery, and kyphoplasty (vertebral augmentation). Patient reviews placed Dr. Gravely at an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). He most likely takes Anthem, Blue California, and CIGNA Plans, as well as other insurance carriers. He has received professional recognition including the following: Southern California Super Doctors. Dr. Gravely's hospital/clinic affiliations include Valley Presbyterian Hospital and Providence.