1. What should I expect at my office visit?
Our doctors will review your medical history and films. Upon review, an exam may be performed to determine your diagnosis. Based on examination and test results, we will make recommendations for treatment – not necessarily surgical but we will help coordinate conservative treatment such as injections.
2. How can I get questions answered after the visit?
Please call and tell our staff your questions. The doctor will review the questions and either call you themselves or have their staff call you with the answers. We do not routinely use email for patient care.
3. If I have non-surgical treatment and things worsen or change, what do I do?
Call our office and your call will be returned usually within 24 hours. Sometimes, the doctor will need to see you to make further recommendations but they will try to answer as many questions as possible by phone.
4. How do I schedule surgery?
Call the office and our surgery scheduler will call you back within 24 hours.
5. What if I have more questions before surgery?
Again, call and most questions can be answered by phone. If you have many questions, a face to face office visit is sometimes better. If you have doubts, we encourage you to obtain a second opinion.
6. When can I have surgery?
Our doctors usually operate on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and occasionally on Tuesdays. We understand people’s schedules can be difficult and we strive to accommodate your schedule and the urgency of your condition.
7. Who will obtain insurance authorization?
Once surgery is scheduled, we will obtain insurance authorization and give you up to date information regarding your deductible, out of pocket expenses, etc.
8. What do I do after surgery?
Many people ask about what to expect after surgery. We put together an overview for some of the most common procedures just for this purpose. If you have questions, please feel free to call. You will be given these instructions in your surgery packet.
Anterior Cervical Fusion (PDF)
Lumbar Discectomy or Laminectomy (PDF)
Lumbar and Thoracic Fusion (PDF)
9. If I have problems in the future, what do I do?
We encourage you to call or come in. If we haven’t seen you in a significant period of time (more than 1 year), we will ask you to have your primary doctor order new imaging studies (such as MRI) prior to your visit. If it has been less than a year, we can generally obtain authorization for the study from your insurance company and we will schedule it for you.