FAQ

What is The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York?

At The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York, we are a team of expert and highly experienced spine neurosurgeons. Our group also includes specialized nurses and a support staff that work closely to make their patients’ office and hospital experiences clear and smooth. All of our doctors are board-certified, fellowship-trained and highly experienced spine surgeons. We consistently have the highest success rates and a very happy patient population.

Quick links: Find a Doctor, Why Choose Us? Patient Stories

What is a spine neurosurgeon?

Let’s start with the definition of a neurosurgeon. A neurosurgeon is a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, the spine and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves. A spine neurosurgeon, therefore, surgically treats diseases and conditions of the spine and spinal cord nervous system.

Quick links: Find a Doctor, Why Choose Us?

Is spine surgery right for me?

Here at The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York, whether or not to perform surgery is made on a patient-to-patient basis, meaning that each patient is different and we take our time to assess and recommend on the condition of that particular patient. This may include a number of situations including the patient’s symptoms, their level of function, age, etc. Surgery is the last resort here at The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute, so we look into all non-surgical methods of treatment first. However, if non-operative treatments have been attempted without improvement or worsening over a certain time period, then surgical treatment may be recommended. In this case, our doctors clearly explain the treatment procedure to you, discuss your options, and make a recommendation for what they feel will provide the best possible outcome for you. That is when you will decide whether spine surgery is right for you or not. It is not an easy decision, but you can feel confident that our spine doctors are among the best in the world with experience and expertise that inform their recommendations.

Quick links: Conditions and Treatments, Contact Us

How do I make an appointment?

You may request an appointment online by filling out the Request and appointment online form or by calling our main office directly at (212) 305-9625. You will also find the office phone numbers for each of our doctors on their “Bio Pages“, a web page made for each doctor that includes their experience, education, patient stories, contact information, and more.

Quick links: How to Make an Appointment, What to Expect, Our Doctors

Can the doctor evaluate my condition by reviewing my medical information and without seeing me in the office?

A preliminary assessment regarding your condition is often possible through a review of your history, symptoms and reports of recent imaging (MRI, CAT scan) of your spine. This information can be forwarded to our physicians for their review. However, a personalized treatment plan, especially one that might include surgery, usually requires an in depth evaluation, examination and discussion that is most accurately and comprehensively performed as part of an in-person consultation in our physician’s office and examination room.

How do I get to the office?

The Spine Hospital at The Neurological Institute is located at 710 West 168th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10032. There are many options on how to get here from public transportation to driving. For more information on directions, please visit Maps & Directions.

Quick links: Maps & Directions, Contact Us

Is there parking at the hospital?

Parking in the CUMC campus area is a scarce resource. For detailed parking information, please visit Maps & Directions.

Quick links: Maps & Directions, Contact Us

Do you accept my insurance?

Our surgeons currently participate in a number of health insurance networks in New York. You may find that one physician takes your insurance while another does not. Be sure to check each individual physician’s participation. We have created an Insurance Information web page with contact information for our insurance specialist and a list of the doctors’ insurance providers. Please note that even if your insurance company does not appear on the list, you may be eligible for significant coverage. Be sure to contact our insurance specialist to learn about your eligibility.

Quick links: Insurance Information, Find a Doctor, Contact Us

Do I need recent imaging for my appointment?

Yes, you most recent image(s) must be completed within the last 6 months. If the scan is older than 6 months, please have your primary or referring physician repeat the image study. Without this information, we may not be able to provide a thorough evaluation that best serves your needs. That is why we require recent imaging for each appointment.

Quick links: How to Make an Appointment, What to Expect

How do I make an appointment?

You may request an appointment online by filling out the Request and appointment online form or by calling our main office directly at (212) 305-9625.  You will also find the office phone numbers for each of our doctors on their “Bio Pages“, a web page made for each doctor that includes their experience, education, patient stories, contact information, and more.

Quick links: How to Make an Appointment, What to Expect

What do I do after I submit the Request an Appointment online form?

Once you submit the request form online, please make sure to mail or fax us your most recent images and/or scans (within the last 6 months), and include your first name, last name and primary contact information. If your latest scan is older than 6 months, have your primary or referring physician repeat the image study. Without this information, we may not be able to provide a thorough evaluation that best serves your needs. That is why we require recent imaging for each appointment. See below for our mailing address and fax number.

Mailing Address:

ATTN: Print Doctor Name
The Spine Hospital
at The Neurological Institute of New York
710 West 168th Street
5th Floor
New York, NY 10032

Main Number: (212) 305-9625
Fax Number: (212) 342-1540

What if I don’t have recent imaging done (completed within the last 6 months)?

Before making a new appointment, our medical staff reviews and evaluates your recent images. If the scans are older than 6 months, we may not be able to complete a thorough evaluation. If your scan is older than 6 months, have your primary or referring physician repeat the image study.

How long does it take to hear back from the office once I submit the Request an Appointment online form?

We understand that often your need is urgent. If your condition is truly urgent, please call our office directly at (212) 305-9625. In other cases, the medical staff will review your information within 2-3 business days of receiving your complete information (medical history, films, etc.) and get back to you. Then, one of our patient care coordinators will be in touch within 24 hours.

What if I need to see a spine surgeon immediately?

Every patient is our top priority. If your case is an emergency and you need to see one of our spine surgeons immediately, please call our office directly at (212) 305-9625.

Will my insurance cover my visit?

The Spine Hospital is a provider for numerous insurance plans. For the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please contact your insurance provider directly and request specific information regarding coverage for your treatment. If you need specific information regarding a particular insurance carrier, please contact our insurance specialist.

Eileen Ivers
Phone: (212) 305-1136
Fax: (212) 305-3629
Email: epi3@cumc.columbia.edu

Is a co-pay due at my first appointment?

If your insurance policy requires you to make a co-payment for office visits with specialists, payment will be required at the time of service.

What does it mean to be out-of-network?

Out-of-network means that we are not contracted with your insurance company.

Who can I call to talk to someone about my insurance coverage?

Contact our Insurance Specialist (Regarding Spine Neurosurgery ONLY)

Eileen Ivers
Phone: (212) 305-1136
Fax: (212) 305-3629
Email: epi3@cumc.columbia.edu

What is The Spine Hospital's payment policy?

We accept Check, all major Credit Cards and Debit Cards. We currently do not accept any Cash payments.