During your initial visit you will be seen by our staff who will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. A focused neurological examination will then be made by your doctor.

While many patients want to discuss in great detail the exact event which may have caused their injury, the most important information your health care team needs involves your symptoms (such as where you have pain, weakness, numbness, etc.) and what limitations these symptoms place on your everyday activities. Please take the time to write down this information.

After reviewing your medical history and diagnostic tests, you will be presented with a number of treatment options. We will inform you of the risks and benefits of each option and will assist you in making the final decision concerning which option is best for you.

Emergencies

If you have an emergency after normal office hours, you will be directed to go to the nearest hospital emergency room where you will be evaluated by the emergency room physician. They will be in direct contact with your doctor or the on-call doctor from our office.

The Patient's Role

Understanding your responsibilities
You are the only one who can decide which treatment is best for you. It is important that you recognize that you have a responsibility to participate in, and take ownership of, any decisions involving your health care. You will be asked to make the final decision about what is best for you, so ask questions about anything you do not understand.

Your family and close friends are an important part of the collaborative process. We encourage you to include them in any education sessions we provide concerning your condition. If you choose to have surgery, we will make every effort to keep family members informed of your progress and to involve them in your recovery process.

Deciding which treatment option is best for you involve weighing the risks and benefits associated with each option. If you eventually choose to have surgery, your physical condition and your mental attitude will determine your body's ability to heal. You must approach your surgery with confidence, a positive mental attitude and a thorough understanding of the anticipated outcome. You should have realistic goals — and be willing to work steadily to achieve those goals.

Outcomes

Today's Health Care Environment is focused on providing high quality/cost effective care. In order to determine the most effective means of treatment, the results of treatment methods must be tracked and compared. Several factors must be considered if the health care delivery system is to find the proper balance between the high level of quality health care Americans have long enjoyed and the cost effectiveness that they desire. Outcome Assessment Studies allow for the tracking, analysis and comparison of various treatment methods and for the evaluation of new technologies.

These studies evaluate:

• Costs - All related cost factors (hospitalization, rehab, time away from work, etc.)
• Patient Health Status - Patient's perception of their health
• Patient Satisfaction - Patient's satisfaction with the care as compared to their expectations
• Clinical Results - Physician's report of health based on clinical evaluations

The data derived from outcomes assessment systems are useful for many reasons:

• Physicians use outcomes assessment data to determine the most effective methods of treatment for various conditions.
• This information is also used to educate patients, like yourself, as to the results that are commonly expected from different methods of care and to assist patients in making more informed decisions (with their families, physicians, etc.) about the best means of treatment for themselves.
• Insurance companies look to this information to determine which treatment methods will be covered within their health care plans.

During the course of your treatment you may be asked to participate in an Outcomes Assessment Study. Your participation in a study will help provide the information required to continually improve treatment methods and ultimately, the entire health care system. If requested, your participation will be greatly appreciated.