Orthopaedic & Spine Centre of Excellence Designation
DNV’s Orthopaedic & Spine Centre of Excellence Designation (OSCED) recognizes hospitals and surgery centres that consistently deliver high-quality, patient-centric care across orthopaedic and spine services, demonstrating excellence throughout the musculoskeletal care continuum.
Orthopaedic & Spine Centre of Excellence Designation
Meeting the evolving demands of orthopaedic and spine care
As the prevalence of musculoskeletal and spine conditions is increasing, the need for specialized, high-quality care grows as well. With an aging population, increased demand for mobility-preserving procedures, and an emphasis on value-based care, organizations are under heightened pressure to provide safe, efficient, and coordinated services.
Patients today expect excellent clinical outcomes as well as clear communication, personalized recovery plans, and a seamless experience across preoperative, surgical, and rehabilitative phases. At the same time, regulators and payers are holding institutions to increasingly rigorous standards of performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Excellence in orthopaedic and spine services
DNV’s Orthopaedic & Spine Centre of Excellence Designation (OSCED) is an elite recognition for hospitals and surgery centres that demonstrate superior quality and integration across orthopaedic and spine surgery services.
To achieve this designation, hospitals must obtain DNV certification in at least three distinct orthopaedic-related service lines such as: adult or paediatric spine surgery, foot and ankle surgery, shoulder surgery, or hip and knee replacement surgery.
Beyond meeting service-line requirements, organizations should demonstrate:
- Clinical integration and consistency across departments.
- System-wide adherence to evidence-based surgical protocols.
- Patient-centred care coordination from intake through rehabilitation.
- Active performance monitoring and improvement planning.
An on-site evaluation by DNV’s expert surveyors who are clinicians with real-world orthopaedic and spine expertise, provide a holistic review of the program, with a focus on outcomes, collaboration, leadership oversight, and long-term sustainability. Shape
Orthopedic Excellence Certification
Discover how DNV’s Orthopedic Excellence Certification helps hospitals and surgery centers elevate care quality, strengthen clinical performance, and demonstrate leadership in orthopaedic outcomes.
A trusted partner in quality and innovation
DNV brings global leadership and expertise to every certification and designation we offer.
Our approach is grounded in:
- ISO 9001 quality management: Promotes systems thinking and long-term improvement.
- Clinically relevant survey teams: With hands-on knowledge of surgical care and real-world challenges.
- Collaborative feedback: Focused on coaching and evolving your program, beyond simply reaching compliance.
- Data-informed decision-making: Helping organizations turn metrics into meaningful action.
By choosing DNV, you join a network of forward-thinking organizations committed to advancing musculoskeletal care in measurable, patient-centred ways.
Benefits of OSCED
Clinical excellence:
- Validates consistent, high-quality surgical care across multiple orthopaedic and spine disciplines.
- Promotes the use of evidence-based clinical pathways that reduce variation and improve outcomes.
- Strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration among providers, nurses, physical therapists, and case managers.
Operational performance:
- Enhances integration of services for a streamlined patient experience.
- Drives lower complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and fewer readmissions.
- Supports alignment with value-based care and bundled payment initiatives.
Reputation and market advantage:
- Demonstrates to patients, providers, and payers that your facility delivers top-tier care.
- Boosts confidence among referring physicians, employers, and insurers.
Staff and team development:
- Encourages shared accountability and a unified vision of quality improvement.
- Reinforces a culture of safety, consistency, and innovation.
- Increases staff engagement through recognition of excellence.
Achieving DNV’s Orthopaedic & Spine Centre of Excellence Designation is more than an accolade, it’s a strategic affirmation of your organization’s leadership in musculoskeletal care. It confirms that your programs exceed the highest standards of clinical quality, operational integration, and patient satisfaction.
Resources to support your Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence Designation
Access essential documentation and tools to guide your organization through the OSCED certification process with confidence.
Orthopedic & spine certification requirements
Download the official certification requirements to understand eligibility criteria, structure, and quality expectations for orthopaedic and spine programs.
Orthopedic service line brochure
Explore DNV’s portfolio of Advanced Orthopaedic Certifications and Centres of Excellence designations.
Othopedic & Spine Center of Excellence - survey document request list
Access the detailed list of survey documentation required for your designation preparation.
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