FAQ
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your insurance card to every appointment along with a CD of any films or imaging you have had, such as X-rays, all completed NeuroTexas forms and anything else you feel may help make your appointment more productive.
Why should I have a neurosurgeon perform my brain or spinal surgery?
Neurosurgeons are the only physicians trained to diagnose and surgically treat the entire nervous system, including the brain, spinal column, spinal cord and all the peripheral nerves (nerves of the hands, arms, legs and face). They receive more training, education and experience in brain and spine surgery than any other physician. In addition to medical school and a seven year neurosurgery residency program, all of our neurosurgeons at NeuroTexas completed fellowship training programs (Complex Spine and/or Endovascular) and obtained their board certification in the field of Neurological Surgery. Some people associate neurosurgery purely with brain surgery and whilst they do treat the delicate brain, the majority of the surgeries they do are spinal.
Our neurosurgeons complement their education and vast experience with a passion for patient care. They pride themselves on a compassionate, conservative approach to providing the best patient care possible and work cohesively with other medical professionals to achieve this. Here at NeuroTexas we treat our patients on an individual basis and recognize that sometimes the best treatment is no surgery at all.
When should I consider Spinal Surgery?
Surgery is not always the best answer for everyone. In general we believe that there are only 2 reasons to consider spinal surgery:
- You have tried everything else with little to no relief and you simply cannot tolerate the pain and its effect on your lifestyle anymore or
- Not having surgery places your spinal cord at further risk of injury
Do you perform Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Yes we do. In fact it is a major focus for our practice. We use a combination of technique and technology such as image guidance to ensure our patients the most effective treatment available. However the term minimally invasive surgery can be a little misleading. Every case should be assessed individually and no one single approach is the best for everyone. Our neurosurgeons will assess the best option for you and will determine whether your condition can be treated with a small incision or in order to provide the best care, a more open approach is required. Our surgeons are dedicated to providing the best quality care utilizing the most minimally invasive techniques possible.
How do I request a refill on my prescriptions?
Call or email your refill request to our office. Prescriptions can only be refilled MONDAY through THURSDAY 8:30am to 4:30pm and Friday 8:30am to 12:00pm. All prescription refill requests made after 12:00pm on Friday will be called in the following Monday. Please note that controlled substances, such as narcotic pain medication cannot be called or faxed into a pharmacy. Patient or a designated individual may come to our office to pick up a written script, or a prescription may be mailed to your home address. Please also note that the after-hours doctor on call will not authorize medication refills or prescribe new medication.
When should I schedule my post-operative appointment?
As soon as you get home from hospital contact our office to make an appointment 2-3 weeks post-surgery. If you have sutures (stitches that do not dissolve) or staples you will need to schedule your appointment 7-10 days after your surgery to have them removed.
What Insurance do you take?
Most Commercial plans and Medicare. For specifics please look under the Insurance tab or call our office and ask our staff. Plans vary so we always recommend you be very familiar with your individual plan and verify coverage with them.
What is your fax #?
(512) 474-1118
What is the cost of my surgery?
There are a number of factors that will affect the cost of your surgery, including your individual insurance, overall health and the specifics of your surgery. Our staff will contact your insurance company to verify your coverage, eligibility and an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses (deductible and coinsurance) for services by our office. We submit all claims to your insurance carrier and the insurance company then designates the definitive patient financial responsibility. Please note that we can only supply you with a list of our charges, fees and an estimate of your responsibility. Unfortunately we can not provide you with any information regarding the fees and financial policy of any other provider including the hospital, anesthesia, radiology and more. We strongly recommend that you educate yourself about the coverage and limitations for your individual health plan to limit unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
What time do I need to be at the hospital?
Generally we recommend you check into the hospital 2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time unless requested otherwise. Please call the hospital on 512.571.5076 between 2-4 pm the day before your surgery for your surgery time.
When should I take the dressing/bandage off?
Generally if you return home from the hospital with a dressing over your incision we suggest you allow the dressing to fall off on it’s own, do not force it. It usually falls off in 1-2 days. Refer to our discharge instructions under Patient Forms for more details.
Can I take a shower following surgery?
Yes, you may shower. Take care to ensure the water does not directly hit the incision and gently pat dry, taking care not to rub or irritate the incision. Do not soak the incision in a bath tub for up to 6 weeks. Refer to discharge instructions under Patients forms for more details.
How should I care for my wound?
In general, Keep incision site clean and dry
- Clean with simple soap and water and gently pat dry, taking care not to rub or irritate the incision.
- Always wash your hands before and after touching/cleaning incision
- Do not apply alcohol, lotions of creams to the incision.
- Do not soak in a bath tub/pool/etc for up to 6weeks.
Refer to our discharge instructions under Patient forms for more details
Do you treat children?
No. We treat patients 15 years or older. Generally we would recommend a pediatric neurosurgeon for patients under 15 years of age.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your insurance card to every appointment along with a CD of any films or imaging you have had, such as X-rays, all completed NeuroTexas forms and anything else you feel may help make your appointment more productive.
Why should I have a neurosurgeon perform my brain or spinal surgery?
Neurosurgeons are the only physicians trained to diagnose and surgically treat the entire nervous system, including the brain, spinal column, spinal cord and all the peripheral nerves (nerves of the hands, arms, legs and face). They receive more training, education and experience in brain and spine surgery than any other physician. In addition to medical school and a seven year neurosurgery residency program, all of our neurosurgeons at NeuroTexas completed fellowship training programs (Complex Spine and/or Endovascular) and obtained their board certification in the field of Neurological Surgery. Some people associate neurosurgery purely with brain surgery and whilst they do treat the delicate brain, the majority of the surgeries they do are spinal.
Our neurosurgeons complement their education and vast experience with a passion for patient care. They pride themselves on a compassionate, conservative approach to providing the best patient care possible and work cohesively with other medical professionals to achieve this. Here at NeuroTexas we treat our patients on an individual basis and recognize that sometimes the best treatment is no surgery at all.
When should I consider Spinal Surgery?
Surgery is not always the best answer for everyone. In general we believe that there are only 2 reasons to consider spinal surgery:
- You have tried everything else with little to no relief and you simply cannot tolerate the pain and its effect on your lifestyle anymore or
- Not having surgery places your spinal cord at further risk of injury
Do you perform Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Yes we do. In fact it is a major focus for our practice. We use a combination of technique and technology such as image guidance to ensure our patients the most effective treatment available. However the term minimally invasive surgery can be a little misleading. Every case should be assessed individually and no one single approach is the best for everyone. Our neurosurgeons will assess the best option for you and will determine whether your condition can be treated with a small incision or in order to provide the best care, a more open approach is required. Our surgeons are dedicated to providing the best quality care utilizing the most minimally invasive techniques possible.
How do I request a refill on my prescriptions?
Call or email your refill request to our office. Prescriptions can only be refilled MONDAY through THURSDAY 8:30am to 4:30pm and Friday 8:30am to 12:00pm. All prescription refill requests made after 12:00pm on Friday will be called in the following Monday. Please note that controlled substances, such as narcotic pain medication cannot be called or faxed into a pharmacy. Patient or a designated individual may come to our office to pick up a written script, or a prescription may be mailed to your home address. Please also note that the after-hours doctor on call will not authorize medication refills or prescribe new medication.
When should I schedule my post-operative appointment?
As soon as you get home from hospital contact our office to make an appointment 2-3 weeks post-surgery. If you have sutures (stitches that do not dissolve) or staples you will need to schedule your appointment 7-10 days after your surgery to have them removed.
What Insurance do you take?
Most Commercial plans and Medicare. For specifics please look under the Insurance tab or call our office and ask our staff. Plans vary so we always recommend you be very familiar with your individual plan and verify coverage with them.
What is your fax #?
(512) 474-1118
What is the cost of my surgery?
There are a number of factors that will affect the cost of your surgery, including your individual insurance, overall health and the specifics of your surgery. Our staff will contact your insurance company to verify your coverage, eligibility and an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses (deductible and coinsurance) for services by our office. We submit all claims to your insurance carrier and the insurance company then designates the definitive patient financial responsibility. Please note that we can only supply you with a list of our charges, fees and an estimate of your responsibility. Unfortunately we can not provide you with any information regarding the fees and financial policy of any other provider including the hospital, anesthesia, radiology and more. We strongly recommend that you educate yourself about the coverage and limitations for your individual health plan to limit unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
What time do I need to be at the hospital?
Generally we recommend you check into the hospital 2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time unless requested otherwise. Please call the hospital on 512.571.5076 between 2-4 pm the day before your surgery for your surgery time.
When should I take the dressing/bandage off?
Generally if you return home from the hospital with a dressing over your incision we suggest you allow the dressing to fall off on it’s own, do not force it. It usually falls off in 1-2 days. Refer to our discharge instructions under Patient Forms for more details.
Can I take a shower following surgery?
Yes, you may shower. Take care to ensure the water does not directly hit the incision and gently pat dry, taking care not to rub or irritate the incision. Do not soak the incision in a bath tub for up to 6 weeks. Refer to discharge instructions under Patients forms for more details.
How should I care for my wound?
In general, Keep incision site clean and dry
- Clean with simple soap and water and gently pat dry, taking care not to rub or irritate the incision.
- Always wash your hands before and after touching/cleaning incision
- Do not apply alcohol, lotions of creams to the incision.
- Do not soak in a bath tub/pool/etc for up to 6weeks.
Refer to our discharge instructions under Patient forms for more details
Do you treat children?
No. We treat patients 15 years or older. Generally we would recommend a pediatric neurosurgeon for patients under 15 years of age.
