Many patients want to be vigilant and proactive in choosing a healthcare provider, but are uncertain of where or how they can access credible information. Filtering through the cloud of information is often both tedious and confusing for patients. So, what is the alternative? Whenever patients ask me this question, the best advice I can provide is to verify the provider's practice history and credentials through independent and reliable sources, such as local departments of health websites or hotlines. Examples of questions you should ask or factors you should consider are as follows:
• Has the provider's medical license been suspended or revoked due to negligence or
medical malpractice?
• Has any disciplinary action been taken against the facility or its providers?
• Does the provider practice transparency, i.e., do they provide a forum through which
patients can publicly voice their concerns, opinions, and experience, and interact with
existing and former patients?
• Does the provider have a referral list with a reasonable number of patients? For example, if
the facility claims to perform 30,000 procedures, but can only offer a list with 10 patients,
then you should probably be skeptical and do further research.
• Does the provider focus on criticizing other providers, rather than justifying their value on
the basis of merit and success? If so, this is a propagandistic technique known as
diversion and you should exercise caution when this approach is taken.
Please note that the list I have provided is by no means exhaustive, but it can be used as a starting point or guide. Remember, there are inherent risks involved with any surgery, but these risks can often be mitigated, or in some cases eliminated. As such, you should always exercise due diligence when selecting a provider.
• Has the provider's medical license been suspended or revoked due to negligence or
medical malpractice?
• Has any disciplinary action been taken against the facility or its providers?
• Does the provider practice transparency, i.e., do they provide a forum through which
patients can publicly voice their concerns, opinions, and experience, and interact with
existing and former patients?
• Does the provider have a referral list with a reasonable number of patients? For example, if
the facility claims to perform 30,000 procedures, but can only offer a list with 10 patients,
then you should probably be skeptical and do further research.
• Does the provider focus on criticizing other providers, rather than justifying their value on
the basis of merit and success? If so, this is a propagandistic technique known as
diversion and you should exercise caution when this approach is taken.
Please note that the list I have provided is by no means exhaustive, but it can be used as a starting point or guide. Remember, there are inherent risks involved with any surgery, but these risks can often be mitigated, or in some cases eliminated. As such, you should always exercise due diligence when selecting a provider.
I am in so much pain right now & I'm SO tired of dismissive doctors, and their "fear" of prescribing pain medication. I've got:
1) 2mm postlateral disc herniation @ C5-6 level-Minimal impingement on the ventral aspect of R side
2)C5-6 acquired spinal canal stenosis
3)Minimal reversal of normal lordotic curvature of C spine @ C4-5 level
4)minimal degenerative changes
5)1 to 2 mm posterolateral disc herniation to left T6-7 level on L side, causing minimal effacement of ventral subarachnoid CFS space. There may be very minimal impingement the ventral aspect of the thoracic cord on L side
6)Minimal degeneration is present L spine
7)Tarlov cyst 12x6 mm posterior to the body of S2
8)Small central subligamentous disc herniation @ L5-S1
9)Far lateral disc herniation to L @ L3-4 level, with narrowing of the Left neural foramen. There may be impingement on the exiting Left L3 nerve root
10) Within the cervical region of the uterus, a nabothian cyst is identified
There. No reason to be in pain, right? I am a 53 yr old Female W/history of back trauma (7-1988 & 12-1995)
Dear Ohio, I am sorry to hear that you have had difficulty communicating your symptoms with your doctors. You seem very familiar with your pathology and need to find relief. We completely understand and generally advise folks to explore conservative methods such as therapy or medication before pursuing surgery. I shared your post with our Medical Director, Dr. Michael Perry. He advises that you send your MRI or CTscan for a courtesy review. Our doctors would then correlate the findings with your reported symptoms and make recommendations accordingly. Your report which lists the above diagnostic findings can be sent via the Contact Us link in the left hand column of my blog. Thanks for writing. Sincerely, Bill Horne.
I can attest to what Mr. Horne is saying. I had Surgery at LSI 8 days ago, and I am pain free and ready to take my life back. After years of suffering and seeing the results of traditional back surgeries on others with similar symptoms having very little (if any) success, I found LSI. Their assesment and treatment of my symptoms were nothing short of incredible. Their staff was top shelf from the first email and phone conversation with a patient advocate, to my final hand shake with the Physical Therapist at the end of my 5 day process. Thank You to Mr. Horne, and your excellent staff for a life changing experience.
Sincerely, Frank D.
Dear Frank, Thank you for your kind words. Please keep us posted on your recovery. Sincerely, Bill Horne.