bwink23, Stonewall_Boris, & Dema,
Thank you all for your replies, thoughts, and suggestions. Dr Bitan is currently in the lead within this thread. I started some other research on him, but need to check the most important: If he's in my new medical insurance provider network! LOL.
I so wanted to avoid another NYC trip! During my last trip there to consult with a different surgeon, there was actually an attempt by two strangers to abduct my daughter
. That's still not my reason for avoiding NYC, as I've been there quite frequently before and after that horrible experience on my own for business.
Texas Back Institute (TBI) has always been very high (perhaps top) on my list when money and time weren't quite as pressing considerations for me. I really like the idea of having a surgeon who is capable at performing all possible surgical options on me, and is able to make me feel confident in the one chosen (even if it turns out to be incorrect). I'm not sure how I could obtain the confidence, information, tests, "gut feeling", etc I need to proceed with a surgeon so far away without having to make several flights back-and-forth. At minimum it seems there would need to be one for a consult and another for the actual surgery. I'm not certain how any/all additional tests, scans, and so on are handled and paid for ...
I was really hoping that there may be some recommended surgeons in Boston, MA. MA General Hospital and Brigham & Women's Hospital have been suggested as highly regarded surgical locations by some medical professionals I've asked, but they were unable to provide specific doctors ....
Thank you all once more - Jeff