Hi all,

I'm needing to know the difference between doctors.I want to see a neurosurgeon-spine surgeon and the case mngr said the one I want might not work because the company doc thinks i should see an ortho.i asked what the difference was and she said that my doctor probably works more on brain issues and an ortho is more like a sports doctor.and considering my line of work would be to help me?

i thought the one i picked was very well qualified.this is his bio..

conditions //////////// treatments

cervical spine disorders/ ////////// arthroplasty
degenerative disc disease/ ////////// lower back surgery
degenerative spinal conditions / ////////// microdiscectomy
herniated disc/ /////////// minimally invasive
lumbar spine disorders//////////// neck surgery
myelopathy //////////// scoliosis surgery
scoliosis and deformity / ///////// spinal cord stimulation
spinal stenosis / /////////// spinal fusion
spondylolistthesis / /////////// upper back surgery
thoracic spine disorders / /////////// vertebroplasty
trauma/
tumors/



I feel he's very qualified to fix my back. nothing about brains in there.Am I wrong here.I was told any doctor of my choice and i pick him....seems qualified and thats my choice,which im entitled to by law.Is there an issue about titles?too bad.


what does everyone else think?

thanks,
cash

Dear Cash, I know people who have had back surgery with neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons who specialize in the spine. The most important thing is to get the one who is the most specialized in the spine, and who is simply the best in your area. My mother had back surgery a couple years ago from a neurosurgeon-he is one of the best in our area. He does other types of surgery, but is so experienced with the spine. We knew he was the best, and she had a good result. I really think it should be your choice. I know what a pain insurance companies are :( Good luck! Let us know what you decide. Kera4

Thank you Kera,

talked to someone about this and was told at this point I do NOT need approval(w/c).And you're right about orhtho's.He said go make the appt. and see about getting a full and honest diagnosis,that the person I was thinking about is very well qualified.

Thanks again,i can rest now,
cash

Just make sure that ortho or neuro has Fellowship in Spinal Surgeries. It mean that he took extra training and specializes in spinal surgeries only. Some ortho and neuro take care about many parts of your body - I wouldn't go to someone like this.
Actually they recommend to call to the Medical Board and find out how many spinal fusions Dr performes in total and in a year; did he ever been sued (mailpractice)... I never done it, but know people who did and many of them them got very helpful information.