Spine Center - Things to Expect on Your Visit

Visiting a spine center for the first time? If you are nervous, don’t be! The visit is only going to help you get relieved from your worries and apprehensions. It will also let you make a decision with the best treatment plan available for your condition.

Visiting Spine Center 

Here’s what you should expect on your initial visit:

Usually, most of the reputed spine centers have a multidisciplinary approach. Their staff comprises of the following professionals:

• Orthopedic surgeons


• Neurosurgeons


• Rehabilitation medicine physicians


• Nurse practitioners


• Physician's assistants


• Physical therapists


• Specialized nurses

You must allow spending at least 2 hours at the clinic for your initial visit.

The professionals at the check-in and waiting area will help you to go through the check-in/registration process. Once this procedure is followed, you must fill out the patient health history questionnaire. You can get this at the reception of most spine centers.

Read about Whatever You Want to Find out about Sinusitis

Updating Electronic Medical Record

A medical assistant (MA) will bring you from the waiting area. He/she will take you to the clinic room. Thereafter, the MA will update your current medications along with the status of health in an electronic medical record.

Preliminary Examination

This is a crucial part of your visit. You will be seen by the following professionals as they record your medical history and conduct a preliminary physical examination:

• Physician assistant


• Physician’s resident


• Medical student


• Nurse practitioner

These professionals will also determine during the examination if you need radiographic films.

Radiology

It is not necessary for every patient to go through this procedure. However, if you really require this, mainly new x-ray films, you will be sent to the radiology. Here, you will be asked to change into a gown or shorts for x-rays. Thereafter, you are supposed to return to your clinic room. The films will be sent electronically to your room. There is absolutely no need to hand carry any films.

Evaluation and Assessment by Physician

The physician will review your history. He/she will then repeat all the essential parts of the physical examination. Once the assessment is finished successfully, the physician will provide you with a complete (detailed) diagnosis plan combined with a comprehensive treatment plan specifically devised for your condition.

This treatment plan usually includes, but is not limited to the following mentioned below:

• Prescription for orthotics/braces


• You may be referred to an orthotic technician depending on the type of orthotic prescribed. In some cases, you
  may also be asked to schedule an appointment at a later date.

Consultation Session for Spine Physical Therapy

This depends on your condition and what the doctor feels. You may schedule an appointment for a spine physical therapy. This may be done at any provider covered by your insurance company.

Referral to other Medical Professionals

Based on your condition, the doctors may refer you to other healthcare providers. You can get contact and other crucial information about the referred doctor may be available at the clinic. All future appointments may be scheduled at the reception of the Spine Center.

Follow-up appointment

This is an important part of visiting the clinic. Follow visits play a very crucial role in treatment. You simply require proceeding to the check-out desk or reception for scheduling your next appointment. Any doctor's order will be sent electronically to them.

So now that you know what to expect for your initial visit to a spine center, it is time to fix an appointment with a renowned surgeon. The visit will help medical professionals to assess your condition and prepare a treatment plan accordingly.