so, what is the best way? I really want to find one BEFORE I move since I will need to see him or her in March, for another fusion follow up, and you know how it is-it can be weeks or even months to get in. I have emailed two-one a neuro the other an ortho. Both are heads in their departments so I don't expect to hear back-but I am hopeful. How can I research them without paying money? (which we don't have). Some aren't with a hospital, though they are affiliated for surgery reasons. I will take my list to MY dr to see if he recognizes any names though doubtful.
I have like forty names here and I wish I could narrow it down a bit. Any suggestions?????????
(I also have GP and Pulmonary Disease physicians to get too-jeeze!)
Ask your dr to recommend one and ask him/her to contact that new dr and ask them to see you.
It's difficult to get in to see a neurosurgeon where I live - we need more of them - and my gp called the one he wanted me to see and asked him to see me. It may have taken longer to get in otherwise.
thanks. I don't think mine actually knows of any since they are in MO and we are in NV currently. I know many of the good ones in MO b/c of my work but they are all old and I want one that is younger. I hate to call all these offices and literally ask-what is the drs age? Mine right now isn't older than forty and that is young these days. An older one may be great too, but I just am confused. I was going to wait until my appt to get his opinion, but it isn't until the last week of Feb and I need to get a new dr set up way before then. Darn, I just like mine so much! I have a list of 12 neurologist/surgeons and 11 orthos. I think now I am best with a ortho b/c my neck problems are structural more than disc and my low back issues deal with bone now and no discs. But, I just don't know. I think I will call and give him the list of providers for my insurance and if he recognizes any names to let me know if he thinks they are good. They have to have a good bedside manner though-and he knows that is why I chose him. But, I may not have the time to be picky either. Darn. Thank you for replying!!!
You need someone with a spine fellowship. Go to spine.org. There are all different kinds of spine specialists on there. Mine is on there and he is cutting edge! And he's only 39!
fly
Last edited by flyonthewall; 02-14-2005 at 06:00 AM.
Mel, they're not all surgeons but they are all spine specialists---you'll have to do a little digging. My surgery was off-label, but it's widely done in the spine community. I was in the right place at the right time. I was referred to him by a neurologist.
fly
thanks, I wish I had more than just seven names though on my list! That is okay though-I def need someone who KNOWS the neck and low back and can help me continue life to the fullest!
thanks quiet, I actually already did a search on AMA, but not the other sites. So I will check them out too. I have to be limited though to find drs that my insurance takes, that is the kicker. But, one entire center of six orthos are all spine specialists who all did fellowships too. They are all older though. I don't think I will find another younger one unless my current one knows of any maybe he went to school with. But, spine specialist is better old than not having that fellowship. They just better be NICE!
