WELCOME! The physicians and staff of Neurosurgical Associates feel that we can better serve your healthcare needs if your are familiar with the following information:

WHAT IS NEUROSURGERY?

Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with disorders affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Your neurosurgeon can often provide non-surgical care, depending on the nature of your injury or illness, but surgery is sometimes ultimately indicated.

Should you require hospitalization, both Providence Health Center and Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center are used by our doctors. The hospitals and our office are separate business organizations, and you will be billed by each separately. Our bill will cover medical care administered by your neurosurgeon and his associates during your hospital stay.

TELEPHONE CALLS

To minimize disruption of patient care, all calls will initially be screened by staff members. They will be able to answer many of your questions. Should you need to speak with a doctor personally, a message will be taken, and the doctor will return the call as soon as possible.

Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After hours and on weekends, calls should be for emergencies only, or for those situations that cannot wait until normal office hours. In these instances, call the office number, and an answering service will contact your physician or the office physician covering for him, and he will promptly return your call.

In cases of serious emergency, or if instructed by your doctor, go directly to the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital. Hospital personnel will initiate treatment and contact your neurosurgeon if they feel his services are needed.