Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method is provided for isolating a patient from the surrounding environment by providing an enclosure that defines a isolated patient environment separate from the surrounding environment. The system includes a patient support base and an elongated walled enclosure having a periphery that is engageable with the patient support base. Further, the walled enclosure includes an operable accessway for accessing a portion of the patient while in the isolated patient environment. Preferably, the operable accessway is positioned in the walled enclosure such that the patient's head is accessible while the patient is in the isolated patient environment. In another application, the walled enclosure is made from disposable material and also is pressure-equalizing between the isolated patient environment and the surrounding environment.