FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The surgeon evaluates your condition based on your medical history, scans and test results. He may believe you would benefit from therapy or additional diagnostics before a surgical consultation. If so, the surgeon will refer you to the appropriate therapist or schedule a test. If he believes you would benefit from a physicians visit now, the surgeon will recommend an appointment.

You will not incur any out-of-pocket expense for the Priority Consult review. However, if your insurance company is contracted to pay Mayfield Clinic for the surgeon’s review, this payment will be reflected on the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. This is for your information and is not a bill.

If the surgeon recommends an appointment, treatment or procedure with a Mayfield physician, physical therapist, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, then that appointment will be billed to your insurance, and you may incur out-of-pocket expenses.

Yes.

In most cases, the surgeon reviews your information within five days of receiving your complete information (medical history, films). A Care Coordination nurse or an Intake Specialist will call you within 24 hours of the surgeon’s review to advise you of his recommendation.

The surgeon will recommend when your appointment should be scheduled. If you have an urgent medical condition, you will be given an expedited appointment.

Mayfield Clinic will gather film directly from affiliates. Otherwise, the patient is responsible obtaining films.

Your surgeon will review your medical information and films in the hope that you can begin treatment before seeing the surgeon. His goal is to begin your care as soon as possible, and a timely review of your information will result in getting you the most appropriate care in the quickest way possible.

You will need to contact your referring doctor or physician of record regarding your work and medication issues if you have not yet seen the neurosurgeon. If the surgeon recommends medications during his review, this recommendation will be sent to your primary care physician for his or her consideration.

Yes, if the surgeon reviewed your information and determined that your pain might be resolved without surgery. Many patients with similar conditions have responded favorably to aggressive nonsurgical treatment, and have avoided surgery altogether.

A Physiatrist, also called a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) physician is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all types of physical disabilities. At the Mayfield Clinic, the Physiatrists provide nonsurgical spine care, including diagnosing disorders and coordinating rehabilitation. They work with a variety of health care providers to help the patient achieve the maximum functional capacity and a high quality of life.

The surgeon communicates to us his recommendation for next steps in your care, but will discuss the specifics of your condition at the time you are seen for an appointment. He will answer any specific questions you have at that time. If you have a clinical question that cannot wait until your appointment, you may contact our office at 513-221-1100 and ask to speak with one of our Nurse Care Coordinators.

Your films will be available for you to return to the hospital or facility when your course of care at Mayfield Clinic has been completed.

Not necessarily. About 80% of our patients significantly improve with nonsurgical treatment.

An Electromyography (EMG) is a test to determine if a person’s muscle weakness is related to nerve damage or some other muscle condition. The surgeon wants to determine if your symptoms are a result of peripheral nerve damage.

During an EMG, thin needles will be inserted into the muscles being tested. The needles are thinner than those used to draw blood, but you may feel mild discomfort.

If you are having an Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), which is often done along with an EMG, then small pads are taped to your skin along the path of the nerve. These pads deliver light electric "shocks" that are too mild to be harmful.

You can eat normally the day of the test. Continue taking your prescribed medications unless otherwise instructed. There is no other special preparation for the test.

Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a nonsurgical treatment that can help relieve arm, neck, low back and leg pain caused by irritated nerves in your spine. A long-lasting steroid, such as cortisone, and an anesthetic numbing agent are injected into the epidural space of your spine. It is used to relieve pain symptoms caused by inflammation and pressure on the spinal nerves.

The surgeon may order a consult with a Mayfield PMR physician to discuss whether ESI may be useful in treating an inflammatory condition to reduce your pain enough to allow you to begin your rehabilitation program.

The procedure is done at a hospital or outpatient center. We will schedule a consult with a Mayfield PMR physician to discuss whether an ESI is right for you, if your surgeon thinks it appropriate.

You will need to contact your insurance company to determine the level of benefits covered by your particular policy.

This means that Mayfield is not an in-network provider for your insurance and benefits will be paid at a substantially reduced rate. You will need to contact your insurance company to determine your out-of-network benefits.

We will call you if an earlier appointment becomes available. However, if you notice any change in your current symptoms, please let us know right away. We will have you speak with a nurse to determine if a sooner appointment is needed.

Mayfield has offices throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

If you still have questions, please email us.