is it better to have a neurologist to do MAJOR back surgery that invloves the nerves in the back, which is a doctor I want to have vs what the insurance wants me to have an othropedic?
2007-11-14 08:01:05 · 8 answers · asked by mommy 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
oops i meant I want a neurosugeron!!
2007-11-14 08:09:05 · update #1
to have spinal fusion done!
2007-11-14 08:16:45 · update #2
I would choose a Neurosurgeon every time for spinal surgery... the most important thing to get right is the nerves, thats what hurts and needs specialist attention. Orthopaedic surgeons are often well meaning but I know where I would go!
2007-11-15 10:14:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In spinal surgery, it depends less on the specialty, and more on the surgeon. Would you rather have a great orthopedic spine surgeon do your surgery, or a neurosurgeon who has had multiple malpractice cases for error in surgery.
The surgery performed is the same regardless who performs it. When recommending spine surgeons in my particular city (which has dozens) I recommend 3, 1 neurosurgeon, and 2 orthopedic spine surgeons. I also question about what condition needs to be corrected, because of the three I would make my choice based on the procedure required.
Of the orthopedic surgeons, one developed the current technique most commonly used for posterior lumbar spinal fusion, he supervised the educational program for the spine fellows at one of the major university medical centers for the country (training many neurosurgeons as well) and travels all over the world demonstrating spinal surgical techniques.
The neurosurgeon happens to be the best available at cervical fusions.
The other orthopedic surgeon is the best at spinal fractures.
Choose the best surgeon. Orthopedic spinal surgeons work with spinal nerve injuries everyday, neurosurgeons also do an excellent job on these cases.
However, many insurance plans, have a list of surgeons in an area on their plan, the neurosurgeon you want may not be on their plan. The neurosurgeon may ask for an exception, but your insurance does not have to grant it. If you cannot get approval for your preferred surgeon, get the list of approved surgeons, and get another physician to make a recommendation off the list.
2007-11-14 19:16:50 · answer #2 · answered by US_DR_JD 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Orthopedic surgeons do a lot of spine work and are very qualified to read those diagnostic tests (although my personal preference would be a neurosurgeon for this problem). You don't know what the ortho doc looked at or read while he was not in the room with you. He may have access to the reports from your studies, and notes from the neurologist. Neurologists don't do surgery, so although they may be able to diagnose a disc problem, they don't get in there and see those problems first hand, while the ortho guys do. There's a lot to be said for that up-close-and-personal experience. Go see a neurosurgeon and see what opinion you get there.
2016-04-04 01:12:14 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of surgery do you need to have done? If it involves the spinal cord and nerves, then a neurosurgeon. If it involves the vertebrae and discs, then I would suggest the orthopedic surgeon. I would get a second opinon from my doctor and ask them to help you address the insurance question. If you can provide more information, they may allow you to have the kind of doctor you want, but I don't know, insurances vary.
2007-11-14 08:13:59 · answer #4 · answered by gracelyn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would depend I think on exactly what needs to be done in your case. I had severe scoliosis & a collapsing spine. The chief of orthopedic spinal surgery did my surgeries. With scoliosis I personally would not want a neurosurgeon to do the surgery. Do internet research & check out the surgeon you have in mind to the surgery. Ask if you can talk to other patients who have had the surgery.
2014-04-15 17:43:54 · answer #5 · answered by Brenda 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you mean NEUROSURGEON. A neurologist is a doctor specializing in the C.N.S. of the brain, and the nerves of the body. He/she will be able to perform procedures such as lumbar punctures, and administer epidural cortisone injections..but generally do NOT perform surgery. ANY major surgery involving your nerves (requires fine tuned attention to TINY detail...nerves are little!) you'll want to get a neurosurgeon. Ask for your insurance company's "reasoning" for suggesting a orthopedic surgeon IN WRITING, and have them fully explain. This just doesn't sound right to me.
2007-11-14 08:07:28 · answer #6 · answered by :-) 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would say the neurosurgeon.
2007-11-14 08:08:28 · answer #7 · answered by tinkerbell82 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
GET BOTH!
2016-04-01 20:03:05 · answer #8 · answered by waikikicityboi968222 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋