How long of a wait time will I have/How long should I be at my appointment?
All new patients to our practice need to arrive 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled office visit in order for us to obtain a complete medical history from you. The average time in our office will be approximately 1 hour.
Status of referral from my physician’s office
Patient to call 797-7194 or 797-719-/Referral Coordinators.
Who is the best surgeon?
All of our surgeons are the best at what they do. GHS/UMG ensures that all of their physicians are credentialed according to their speciality in order to provide the best care to everyone who comes to our offices.
Trying to reach UMR, Pharmacy, Proaxis or Trauma Orthopaedics
Ensure that all of the other departments within the Spine Inst. are listed with their primary phone # and fax # on the home page of our website
Do you take my insurance?
We take most insurance; however, to ensure that we accept your company, please contact our Financial Counselor @ 797-7180
Do any of your physicians do laser surgery?
We perform the latest non-evasive procedures performed by a Neurosurgeon or Spine Surgeon.
Are you part of Steadman Hawkins?
We are a part of the same department as Steadman Hawkins, GHS Department of Orthopaedics. We have an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon who is employed by Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas and who is a part of the Spine Institute.
Do I need a referral to see a surgeon?
Most of our self-referrals see our Nurse Practioner or Physician’s Assistant originally then both discuss your care with an on-site Neurosurgeon or Spine Surgeon and a plan of treatment is decided upon.
What is a Physiatrist?
A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine. These spine specialists focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Physiatrists treat patients of all ages with diverse problems ranging from simple low back sprains to complex disorders, such as spinal cord injury. Their comprehensive approach includes treating the entire patient, not just symptoms.
What do they do?
Physiatry is an aggressive, non-surgical approach to treating musculoskeletal disease and injury, including different types of pain. Similar to other types of spine specialists, physiatrists take the patient’s medical history, perform a physical and neurological examination, order X-rays or other imaging studies, prescribe medications, and perform spinal injections. Physical medicine and rehabilitation often includes physical therapy. Sometimes other physical medicine professionals are involved in the patient’s care such as occupational therapists or athletic trainers. Physiatrists coordinate patient care with other doctors and specialists, such as orthopaedic surgeons.
Are we accepting new patients?
Yes
Can they just schedule an appointment or do they need a referral?
Referral
How do they get a referral?
From any physician participating in their care.
How long does it take to get an appointment after referral?
5-7 business days for a standard referral
What to bring to a new patient appointment?
Completed new patient paperwork, insurance cards, drivers license/picture ID, insurance co-pay
Acupuncture: How much does it cost?
New Patient is $96.00 Follow up’s are $72.00
Does insurance cover it?
We do not file insurance for acupuncture, this is a self pay service only.
How long does it take?
Depends on the condition in which you are being treated. Usual time is 30 minutes.
What all is involved in the appointment?
The acupuncturist will access your complaint, ask a few general questions and then determine how many needles to place and where.
How many appointments do you need?
Depends on the condition in which you are being treated.
Does it work?
Studies and our patients will testify acupuncture works. Just ask any staff member here who likely has taken advantage of this service.
How can you get your records?
Sign a release of medical information a the front desk
Is there a charge for medical records?
There is a charge for copying of medical records. There is a base rate and per page after that. However, if you are no longer being treated by our office we will forward our records one time at no charge.
How do you get paperwork filled out for disability or medication plan or Handicap parking?
You can leave paperwork with any of the front desk reception clerks. They will fill out a tracking sheet and give to medical records to be logged and given to the providers to fill out and return to you. There is a fee for all forms except Handicap parking and FMLA.
Office policy on lost or stolen medication
Due to regulations governing narcotics prescriptions lost/stolen etc cannot be re issued.
