Request for Surgical Consults in USA

[WPKat]

Fellow Members,

Do you know of any neurosurgeons in the United States who would be willing to review my MRIs, x-rays, etc. and provide a surgical opinion without my having to travel to their office for a consult?

If so, would you mind giving me their names and contact information?

Thanks for your help ... K

[Tatonka_usn]

WPKat,

While I can't speak with authority regarding your question, my impression has always been that doctors here in the states won't provide definitive input unless you are an actual patient of theirs (ie office appointments, examinations, etc). I'd imagine there's simply too much liability involved if their "formal" feedback/recommendations are taken and something bad happens. That said, I've gotten informal advice from several friends/family member's who are physicians, but I'm sure they're confident that I'm not going to sue them for malpractice. If anyone else is more familar with this, please feel free to chime in/override me.....;-)

Alan

[Harrison]

There are actually quite a few. Some of them include:

- Dr. Scott Blumenthal - Texas Back
- Dr. Kevin Pauza - Texas Spine and Joint (dunno if he will review images, though)
- Dr. John Regan - Spine Group Beverly Hills (may charge a consult fee)

But you're right, any of these consults will be a "first pass" assessment. Any doc would be crazy to give you a "definitive" assessment without seeing you and doing more tests. Does that mean that some people overseas will?! Of course! But that doesn't mean one should take bigger risks, does it?

There are many other docs in the US that will provide an initial consult. Come on folks, help us out....

[2 Young 2 Hurt Like This]

Hey there,

Just a little info of my situation. L3-4 has a large herniation and L4-5 is DDD with small herniation and I am facing a possible 2 level ADR.


Originally I met with Dr. Carl Lauryssen. As far as over the phone consultations are concerned I don't know if he does them. He is located in Bev Hill Ca. He is a very confident doctor. I went in with a few pages of questions and he sat up on the bed and let me pick his brain and didn't rush me off. You can tell right away he is there to help and cares about your well being. I can't say enough good things about him.

For piece of mind I am getting another opinion. In the end I just want to know I checked out all my options. I feel like this is the last step and he 1st to the rest of my life.

While I was doing my own research I found Dr. John Regan. I'm choosing to pay the $500 to meet with him in person. He charges $175 for over the phone consult and $15 to send MRI, X-Rays etc. I don't have any insurance therefore I have to pay. When I called their office the receptionist was very helpful and friendly. They also take most if not all insurance companies. I see him March 8th.

Good Luck!

[StructuralDefect]

Dr. Lauryssen has a link for 2nd Opinions as "coming soon," so you may be able to call his office and work it out instead of waiting for the site to be set up for it. I'm not completely sure if this is a second opinion with out you phsyically being there, but that's what I assume. Here is the link that I am talking about...

http://www.thespinaldoctor.com/index...or=_2ndopinion


And here is the link for Dr. Regan's second opinion service...

http://www.spinegroupbeverlyhills.co...d_opinion.html

[lkkoh]

Try Dr Delamarter from LA Spine Institute. He doesn't charge anything to review your films. Go to his website for details.