Archive - Jan 2010

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?

At Laser Spine Institute, we can determine a patient's total upfront cost after we verify their current insurance coverage.  We strive to make our surgical procedures as affordable as possible with hopes of alleviating as much back and neck pain as possible.  Through this effort, Laser Spine Institute has partnered with a few new insurance carriers, including United Health Care & affiliates, and also has the opportunity to lower our Medicare pricing.  With these new agreements in place, moving forward in 2010 - Laser Spine Institute patients will experience the same state of the art, highest level of medical treatment available, with lower

Many patients suffering from back and neck pain may not be fully aware of all available options.  Reflecting on my own experience, I did not know much about minimally invasive spine surgery until I was introduced to Dr. St. Louis.  So, I thought it would be a good idea to share an article that was featured in this month's issue of our monthly newsletter, The Spinal Column.  In this article, Dr. John Spallino discusses how endoscopic spine surgery has evolved, much like arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery.  I hope you will find the article below helpful.


Endoscopic Spine Surgery