My insurance company gave me four "Centers of Excellence" to choose from for my spinal surgery. I know two of the facilities do not do the major fusions that we all are talking about. They just gave me another choice, Valley Medical Center in Renton Washington. Dr. Jason Thompson's office said they do about two of these types of spinal fusions per month. This sounds hopeful. I can't remember the exact levels I need repaired, but it is pretty much shoulder blades and down. The other two places that I haven't checked yet are in Stuart Florida (Martin Memorial) and Durham North Carolina (North Carolina Specialty Hospital). Anybody familiar with either of these? I'm planning to have my surgery around mid November, as the two months after are very slow at my job and I won't be "working" from my home. I live in western Alaska and there are no roads to where I live. (Alaska Airlines to Walmart, doctor, hair appt., etc) I work at a small Native Health Hospital where I can have physical therapy and some basic services, once the surgery is done and I can go back home. I just need to find a reliable surgeon. Thank you all for your posts. I read them faithfully and have become much better informed about what is ahead. Every comment and question is appreciated. Sharon