A consultation for non-surgical back pain solutions includes imaging review, focused history, exam, and a clear candidacy answer. The clinical team explains what the imaging shows in plain language and lays out which interventions fit the findings. Patients leave with a working diagnosis and recommended next step, not a sales pitch.
Key Takeaways
- The consultation is structured around imaging and history.
- Patients receive a yes, a no, or a “needs more imaging” answer.
- The clinical team walks through the imaging in plain language.
- Documentation review covers prior conservative care and any surgical consults.
- No same-day decisions are pushed.
What This Guide Covers
- What happens before the consultation?
- What happens during the consultation?
- What happens after the consultation?
- What should the patient bring?
What happens before the consultation?
Before the consultation, the intake team collects records: recent MRI, prior conservative-care notes, surgical consultation reports if applicable, and current medications. Imaging is reviewed in advance so the consultation can focus on conversation rather than first-time chart review. Veterans receive an additional intake covering Mission Act eligibility documentation.
What happens during the consultation?
During the consultation: focused history, exam to localize the pain pattern, and an imaging walk-through with the patient. The clinician shows the patient what the imaging shows in plain language. The candidacy conversation follows: yes the patient is a candidate, no the patient is not, or additional imaging is needed.
What happens after the consultation?
After the consultation, candidate patients move toward scheduling and pre-procedure planning. Non-candidates receive a referral or recommended next step. There is a follow-up call within a week of the visit to address questions that surface after the patient has had time to process.
What should the patient bring?
Patients should bring: imaging on disc or accessible portal, prior medical records (PT, injection logs, surgical consults), current medication list, insurance information, and any specific questions. Veterans should bring VA documentation including disability rating decision and recent VA care notes.
Clinical Note
The most important hour of a patient’s care with us is the consultation. Our clinical staff treats it that way. We do not rush through imaging. We do not gloss over a finding because it is inconvenient. If the imaging suggests fusion is the better fit, we say so. If the imaging suggests the procedure is the right move, we explain why and what the realistic timeline looks like. The deliverable is clarity — patients leave knowing what is driving their pain and what their options are, regardless of whether they end up booking the procedure with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the consultation?
Commonly 45 to 60 minutes, depending on case complexity.
Is there a fee for the consultation?
The fee structure is reviewed during intake. For veterans accessing care under Mission Act, the consultation is part of the approved community-care episode.
Will I get a candidacy answer the same day?
In most cases, yes. Some cases need additional imaging review before a final answer.
Can a family member attend?
Yes. Many patients bring a spouse or adult child.
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified physician. Treatment decisions depend on your individual medical history and clinical findings. Schedule a consultation to discuss whether the procedure is right for you.
