Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin
Leading Healthcare Facility Expands Services
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in Central Texas. Located in the heart of Austin, this 24/7 hospital provides comprehensive medical services to the surrounding community. The facility offers specialized care in areas such as cardiology, pulmonology, women's health, and orthopedics, as well as advanced programs for cardiac transplants and ventricular assist devices.
The medical center boasts a full-service emergency department and is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. Its trauma care capabilities ensure that patients with life-threatening injuries receive prompt and expert treatment. Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin has earned recognition for its high-quality care, receiving high-performing ratings in multiple adult procedures and conditions.
As part of the larger Ascension healthcare network, the hospital benefits from access to cutting-edge medical technologies and a vast pool of medical expertise. This connection allows Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin to deliver personalized care tailored to each patient's unique health needs, reinforcing its position as a trusted healthcare provider in the Texas capital.
Overview of Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin is a prominent healthcare facility located in Austin, Texas. The hospital serves as a key component of the Seton Healthcare Family network, which is affiliated with Ascension, a large non-profit health organization.
This medical center is renowned for its comprehensive cardiac care services. It offers cardiology consultations and specialized treatments, including cardiac transplants and ventricular assist devices (VAD).
The hospital operates 24/7, providing round-the-clock care to patients. Its address is 1201 West 38th Street, Austin, TX 78705.
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin for its high-performing status in nine adult procedures and conditions. This accolade reflects the hospital's commitment to quality care.
Patients can schedule appointments by calling 512-324-1000. The medical center offers a wide range of specialties beyond cardiology, functioning as a general medical and surgical facility.
As part of the Ascension network, the hospital benefits from the resources and expertise of a larger healthcare system. This connection enhances its ability to provide advanced medical treatments and technologies to patients in Central Texas.
Specialized Medical Departments
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin offers advanced care across several specialized departments. These include cardiology, cancer treatment, neurology and neurosurgery, and comprehensive pathology services.
Cardiology Department
The cardiology department at Ascension Seton provides expert care for heart conditions. It offers advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatments. Experienced cardiologists perform procedures like angioplasty and stent placement.
The department also specializes in cardiac surgery, including bypass operations and valve repairs. For patients with severe heart failure, ventricular assist devices (VADs) are available.
A dedicated team of nurses and technicians supports cardiac patients throughout their treatment journey. The department emphasizes both acute care and long-term management of heart diseases.
Cancer Treatment Center
Ascension Seton's cancer center delivers comprehensive oncology services. It employs a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Patients benefit from personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
The center offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology options. It utilizes advanced technologies like targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Clinical trials provide access to innovative treatments.
Support services include nutritional counseling and psychological support. The center also focuses on cancer prevention and early detection programs. Survivorship care helps patients transition after treatment.
Neurology and Neurosurgery
The neurology and neurosurgery departments handle complex brain and nervous system disorders. Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Neurosurgeons perform intricate procedures using state-of-the-art equipment. These include brain tumor removals, spine surgeries, and interventions for cerebrovascular diseases.
The department also offers specialized stroke care. A dedicated stroke unit provides rapid assessment and treatment. Rehabilitation services help patients recover lost functions after neurological events.
Pathology and Laboratories
Ascension Seton's pathology department plays a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment planning. It encompasses anatomic, clinical, and surgical pathology services.
The anatomic pathology team analyzes tissue samples to identify diseases. Clinical pathologists interpret laboratory tests to guide patient care. Surgical pathologists provide rapid diagnoses during operations.
Advanced technologies like molecular diagnostics enhance diagnostic accuracy. The cytopathology section examines cells for cancer and other abnormalities. The department maintains rigorous quality control measures to ensure reliable results.
Medical Services and Procedures
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin offers a comprehensive range of medical services and advanced procedures. The hospital provides state-of-the-art imaging, specialized maternity care, cutting-edge surgical options, and round-the-clock emergency services.
Imaging Services
The imaging department at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin utilizes advanced technology for accurate diagnoses. Services include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
Specialized imaging procedures like PET scans and nuclear medicine studies are also available. The radiology team works closely with other departments to provide prompt results.
Patients can schedule imaging appointments quickly, often with same-day or next-day availability. The hospital uses digital imaging systems for faster processing and easier sharing of results between healthcare providers.
Maternity Services
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin offers comprehensive maternity care from pregnancy through postpartum. The labor and delivery unit features private birthing suites equipped with modern technology.
A team of obstetricians, midwives, and nurses provides personalized care for low and high-risk pregnancies. The hospital has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature or ill newborns.
Prenatal classes, breastfeeding support, and postpartum care are available. The maternity ward emphasizes family-centered care, allowing partners to stay overnight and encouraging skin-to-skin contact after birth.
Surgical Procedures
The surgical department at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin performs a wide range of procedures. Specialties include:
Cardiovascular surgery
Neurosurgery
Orthopedic surgery
General surgery
Minimally invasive procedures
The hospital uses advanced surgical techniques and robotic-assisted technology for improved precision and faster recovery times. Pre-operative education and post-operative care are provided to ensure the best outcomes.
A team of experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical nurses collaborates on each case. The operating rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for complex procedures.
Emergency Care
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin has a 24/7 emergency department equipped to handle critical situations. The ER is staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and specially trained nurses.
Services include:
Rapid triage
Advanced cardiac life support
Stroke care
Trauma treatment
The emergency department has direct access to imaging services and specialty consultations. A dedicated pediatric emergency area ensures children receive age-appropriate care.
For less urgent cases, the ER offers a fast-track system to reduce wait times. The hospital also provides follow-up care and connections to specialists after emergency treatment.
Cardiology Subspecialties
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin offers specialized cardiology services to diagnose and treat various heart conditions. These subspecialties utilize advanced imaging techniques and preventive approaches to provide comprehensive cardiac care.
Echocardiography Services
Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function. This non-invasive technique helps cardiologists assess heart valve problems, blood flow abnormalities, and chamber size issues. Ascension Seton employs both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography methods.
Stress echocardiography is also available, combining exercise or medication-induced stress with imaging to evaluate heart function under exertion. This test can reveal coronary artery blockages or other cardiac abnormalities not apparent at rest.
The echocardiography lab at Ascension Seton is equipped with state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology. This allows for more precise measurements and better visualization of complex heart structures.
Nuclear Cardiology
Nuclear cardiology imaging creates three-dimensional pictures of the heart to evaluate various cardiac conditions. This subspecialty uses small amounts of radioactive tracers to visualize blood flow and heart muscle function.
Myocardial perfusion imaging is a common nuclear cardiology test offered at Ascension Seton. It helps detect coronary artery disease by showing areas of reduced blood flow in the heart muscle.
Cardiac PET scans provide even more detailed images of heart metabolism and blood flow. This advanced technique is particularly useful for assessing the viability of heart tissue after a heart attack.
Nuclear cardiology tests play a crucial role in diagnosing heart disease, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring therapy effectiveness.
Non-Invasive and Preventive Cardiology
Non-invasive cardiology focuses on diagnosing and managing heart conditions without the need for invasive procedures. Preventive cardiology aims to identify and reduce risk factors for heart disease before problems develop.
Ascension Seton offers comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments. These evaluate factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, family history, and lifestyle habits to determine a patient's risk of developing heart disease.
Cardiac CT scans are used to detect coronary artery calcium, a sign of atherosclerosis. This test can identify heart disease risk in its earliest stages, allowing for prompt intervention.
The center's preventive cardiology program provides personalized lifestyle counseling. This includes guidance on diet, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation to help patients reduce their cardiovascular risk.
Patient and Visitor Information
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin prioritizes patient care and visitor comfort. The hospital provides clear guidelines for visitation, billing processes, and language assistance to ensure a smooth experience for patients and their loved ones.
Visiting Hours and Policies
Visiting hours at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin are 24/7. The hospital allows two visitors per patient room to maintain a quiet environment. Visitors may need to undergo screenings and follow distancing protocols for safety reasons.
The hospital encourages visitors to check with nursing staff for any patient-specific visiting restrictions. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors can reach patients by calling 512-324-1000. For direct room calls, dial 3241 followed by the three-digit room number.
Insurance and Billing
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin accepts a wide range of insurance plans. Patients are advised to verify coverage with their insurance provider before admission.
The hospital's billing department can assist with questions about charges, payment plans, and financial assistance programs. Patients can request itemized bills for their records.
For uninsured patients, the hospital offers discounted rates and payment options. Financial counselors are available to discuss individual situations and explore potential solutions.
Language and Communication Support
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin provides language interpretation services for non-English speaking patients and visitors. These services are available 24/7 at no additional cost.
The hospital offers sign language interpreters for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Patients can request these services through their healthcare provider or nurse.
Written materials in various languages are available upon request. The hospital's website also features a language translation tool for online information access.
Medical Professionals and Staff
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin boasts a diverse team of highly qualified healthcare professionals. The hospital's staff includes experienced physicians, nurses, and specialists dedicated to providing top-quality patient care.
Finding a Specialist
Patients can easily locate the right specialist for their needs using Ascension Seton's Advanced Doctor Search tool. This online platform allows users to filter physicians by specialty, location, and accepted insurance plans.
The search results provide detailed profiles of each doctor, including their education, board certifications, and areas of expertise. Patients can also view available appointment times and book directly through the website.
For those who prefer personal assistance, the hospital's referral line connects patients with knowledgeable staff who can help match them with suitable specialists.
Professional Experience and Specializations
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin attracts top medical talent from across the country. Many of its physicians hold MD degrees from prestigious institutions and have years of experience in their respective fields.
The hospital's specialists cover a wide range of medical disciplines, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. Many doctors participate in ongoing research and clinical trials, ensuring patients have access to cutting-edge treatments.
Ascension Seton also emphasizes continued education and professional development for its staff. Regular training sessions and conferences keep medical professionals up-to-date with the latest advancements in healthcare.
