How to take a proactive role in your care
The following information will help you prepare for and make the most of your initial consultation with your provider. You can also learn what to expect before, during, and after your treatment. You will receive additional, detailed instructions prior to any procedure. By preparing for your appointment and any treatment in advance, you’re taking a proactive role in your own healthcare. Contact us with any questions and be sure to review the directions to our office. We look forward to seeing you.
Get to know us and our facility
Our practice includes highly trained and experienced neurosurgeon and certified physician assistants who are supported by our excellent medical team and administrative staff. Learn more about our providers and our clinic and surgical center.
Consult with your insurance
Check with your insurance carrier to confirm whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network and to better understand your out-of-pocket costs and patient responsibilities.
Schedule enough time
If this is your first appointment with one of our providers and/or you’re seeing us for a complex issue, please let our scheduler know that you will need ample time with the provider to review your health history and discuss your treatment options.
Bring your medication list
Please bring a list of your current medications, including the dose and frequency of each, or bring the actual bottles.
Be on time to your appointment
If this is your first time seeing us, please review the clinic directions and plan to be a few minutes early to your appointment. Complete the required new patient forms prior to your appointment or arrive 30 minutes early to complete the paperwork. If you’re late to your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule.
Bring your insurance card and picture ID
Please bring your insurance card and picture identification to your appointment. If your insurance changes at any point during your care, please provide the new information and your new card. Please complete the new patient forms and any other forms you were asked to complete prior to your appointment.
Bring your questions
Write down your questions and goals ahead of time and bring them to your appointment. This helps you and your provider stay on track and make the most of your time together.
Ask treatment questions
If anything is unclear, always ask questions. It’s important that you understand your diagnosis and treatment, as well as any risks or possible side effects. If you have any concerns, please share them with your provider.
Use your time efficiently
We need a broad yet detailed understanding of your health history, but it is also important to remain focused on the main reason you’re seeing a specialist. Your appointment time is limited, so make the most of it by discussing your primary concern, symptoms and treatment options.
Talk about insurance coverage
Talk with your provider about your treatment options and whether it’s covered by insurance. Then contact your insurance carrier to better understand your responsibility, in terms of costs. You can also ask that we request prior authorization from your insurance carrier. Not all treatments are covered by insurance.
Make a decision and schedule
Once you understand your treatment options and your patient responsibility, contact us to schedule an appointment for your procedure, if one is recommended, and if you’re comfortable moving forward. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have.
What to expect before your procedure
You will receive detailed instructions prior to any procedure as part of our scheduling process. Please review and refer to these instructions carefully before and after your procedure. If there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, or a wound near your surgery site, please notify us right away.
If your procedure requires anesthesia, expect a call from the surgical center. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will call you the day before your procedure to review your health information, discuss medications, and answer any questions. Unless instructed by your physician, do not discontinue taking your regular prescribed medications prior to your surgery. If you are on blood pressure or heart medication, or if you have diabetes, you must disclose this information to obtain specific instructions from the anesthesiologist.
You will need a driver who can remain on site for the duration of your prep time and procedure. It is your responsibility to make advanced arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may NOT drive yourself, be left alone, or leave the facility in public transportation unless accompanied by an adult. Failure to meet these guidelines could result in the cancellation of your procedure.
For your safety, it is important to follow these steps:
- Do not eat after midnight the night before the procedure, including gum/mints, unless instructed otherwise by your procedure scheduler.
- Do not use tobacco (smoking or chewing) after midnight the night before the procedure.
What to expect for the day of your procedure
You will be contacted by the procedure scheduler regarding your appointment arrival time, which is normally 90 minutes prior to your procedure.
You will need a driver who can remain on site for the duration of your prep time and procedure. It is your responsibility to make advanced arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may NOT drive yourself, be left alone, or leave the facility in public transportation unless accompanied by an adult. Failure to meet these guidelines could result in the cancellation of your procedure.
For your safety, it is important to follow these steps:
- Do not eat after midnight the night before the procedure, including gum/mints, unless instructed otherwise by your procedure scheduler.
- Do not use tobacco (smoking or chewing) after midnight the night before the procedure.
- Your driver can wait in our lobby and rejoin you after your procedure.
- Read and sign the required consent form prior to your procedure.
What to expect after your procedure
Your physician may provide instructions specific to you for the procedure being performed.
These post-procedure instructions are provided to patients as general guidelines:
- You may NOT drive yourself, be left alone, or leave the facility in public transportation unless accompanied by an adult.
- Make advanced arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
- Do not drive, drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery, or make important decisions while taking pain medication.
- Contact your surgeon if you have any questions or problems.
- Review any paperwork for your follow-up appointment with your specialist or primary care provider’s office.
If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact us.
Should I see my primary physician before scheduling a procedure?
Your physician will inform you if you need to see your primary physician before scheduling a procedure.
Will I see my surgeon before surgery?
Yes. You will have a consultation with your surgeon and the anesthesiologist prior to your surgery.
What type of anesthesia will I have? Will I receive more medication for pain at home, if needed?
The type of anesthesia you will be given will be determined during your pre-surgery consultation. Your physician will prescribe pain medicine for home use. We provide the following types of anesthesia:
- General
- Local
- Local with sedation
How long will I be at the surgery center?
Your specific procedure will determine your arrival and departure time and the duration of your time with us. Our staff will provide you with more specific information when they contact you prior to your procedure.
Will I spend the night?
No. All of our treatments and surgical procedures are conducted on an out-patient basis.
Should I take my medications?
You may take your blood pressure, heart, and thyroid medications etc., with a very small sip of water. However, do not take diabetic medications without the permission of a pre-op nurse. Please follow the instructions you were given.
Why can’t I take my diabetic meds?
You could be without food for 12 hours or longer and we don’t want you to have an insulin reaction.
Will I be given instructions after surgery?
Yes. After your surgery, a nurse will go over instructions that your doctor has prepared for you and your driver.
Why does someone have to be with me 24 hours after surgery?
Medications can take up to 24 hours to leave your system, so we recommend someone stay with you for your safety. We also recommend that you refrain from signing any legal documents during this time period.
What kind of surgical wound dressing will I have?
This depends on what type of surgery you have, but be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothes to accommodate any wound dressing.
Why do I have to take off all of my jewelry?
You must remove all of your jewelry off because some equipment in the operating room can cause burns if jewelry is worn. We recommend that you leave any valuable items at home.
What should I bring with me on the day of surgery?
You should bring your photo ID, insurance cards, any applicable patient forms, and any payment that you may have been asked to bring. We recommend that you leave any valuable items at home.
