Frequently Asked Questions
About Laser Spine Health…
Why should I choose Laser Spine Health over other facilities performing similar procedures?
Some other facilities are performing similar surgeries yet they are largely in the “learning” stage while Laser Spine Health is in the “perfecting” stage. If all else is equal, it makes sense to go with the practitioner with the most experience.
What facilities and services are offered at Laser Spine Health?
LSH offers the full range of pre-operative, surgical and post-operative services, including medical testing and clearances, clinical services, imaging, recovery, and physical therapy. We are a wholly self-contained Ambulatory Service Center allowing us to complete all medical care without having to “hand off” or sub-contract any responsibilities to third parties.
About LSH Procedures…
How are LSH Procedures an improvement over old-fashioned “open” spine surgery?
LSH procedures are outpatient surgeries that do not require overnight hospitalization. The procedures are performed through the smallest incisions possible resulting in far less trauma to the surrounding muscles and soft tissue, minimal blood loss, less scarring and much faster recovery times.
What does “minimally-invasive” means?
LSH procedures are performed through an incision of ¼ to ½ inch in length. Since the dissection is so minute the procedures are gentle enough to allow the patient to remain conscious during the procedure under only local anesthesia.
What if I need more than one procedure?
Each surgical procedure is separated by one week to allow for a post-operative MRI and physical therapy.
Is age a factor in who can have these procedures?
Although Laser Spine Health does not accept Medicare coverage, because we do not employ general anesthesia age otherwise is not a factor in who can be a candidate for LSH procedures.
What areas of the spine do you work on?
We can treat problems in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine.
Do you treat any areas other than the spine?
Laser Spine Health made the decision some years ago to only concentrate on treating problems of the spine. This has allowed the Institute to continually and consistently focus on researching, testing and developing improved application of advanced surgical techniques for spine conditions such as stenosis and degenerative disc disease.
Why is the patient awake during the surgery?
One of the big advantages of LSH procedures over old-fashioned “open” spine surgery is that because the patient remains conscious he or she can communicate to the surgeon whether the pain in a particular area is resolved.
Can you help people who have had previous “open” spine surgery or fusion surgery that wasn’t successful?
Approximately 50% of the patients who come to Laser Spine Health have had previous “open” spine surgery that failed. “Open” spine surgery often produces massive scar tissue and this scar tissue can then begin producing radicular pain as it presses on nerve roots. Likewise, the hardware inserted in fusion surgeries can eventually become a problem in that it produces scar tissue, or it can become loosened and move into a position where it compresses a nerve. In many cases we can remove the problematic hardware and relieve the radicular pain it was causing.
About Preparations…
Why do you need to review my MRI in advance?
Since we do not treat trauma cases, not everyone with a spine problem is a candidate for LSH procedures. Our surgeons will review your MRI within 48 hours of receipt and we will then provide you with a written opinion of the abnormalities found and whether you are a candidate for LSH procedures. There is no charge or obligation associated with this MRI review.
Why do you need to verify insurance coverage in advance?
Since the majority of our patients come to Laser Spine Health from many places we want to avoid their being “unpleasantly surprised” by an insurance coverage problem. As a service to our patients we will verify all insurance coverage well in advance of scheduling any surgery. There is no charge or obligation associated with this insurance coverage verification.
How do I know if I need surgery?
If you have tried more “conservative” treatments such as physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation, yet your pain has lasted more than 3 months, is persistent, and seems to be running your life, then you should investigate a surgical solution for your pain.
