I appreciate Dr. Hamilton’s willingness to LISTEN! Read More »
FAQ
General FAQs:
Will I need surgery?
To know if surgery or other treatments might help, you must first be evaluated. Your initial visit with Dr. Hamilton will involve a history and physical exam. He will evaluate any pertinent diagnostic tests that you may already have had (MRIs, x-rays, etc.) and will determine if any additional diagnostic studies are needed to better assess your condition. After the assessment, he will discuss your studies with you in detail in order to determine whether surgery is the best course of treatment for you. Every situation is different, but most patients do not need immediate surgery and can be helped by other, more conservative, treatment methods. Dr. Hamilton will be able to discuss these options with you and will recommend the best course of treatment for your individual condition. Other treatment methods may include physical therapy, epidural injections, acupuncture, pain management or other treatments.
What is my financial obligation?
We accept most major insurances and all major credit cards. Prior to your first visit, we will verify your insurance coverage and determine your copay amount. Office visit copays will be expected at the time of service, and these may be paid with cash, check or credit card. Usually your office copay is stated on your insurance card; however, please contact us prior to your visit if you would like further clarification on your copay. In the event that surgery is recommended, we will contact your insurance company and help you estimate the amount your insurance will expect you to contribute. We will cover this in detail with you before your surgery is scheduled.
What is neurosurgery?
According to the American Board of Neurological Surgery, NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY (or Neurosurgery) Constitutes a medical discipline and surgical specialty that provides care for adult and pediatric patients in the treatment of pain or pathological processes that may modify the function or activity of the central nervous system (e.g. brain, hypophysis, and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system (e.g. cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerves), the autonomic nervous system, the supporting structures of these systems (e.g. meninges, skull & skull base, and vertebral column), and their vascular supply (e.g. intracranial, extracranial, and spinal vasculature).
Treatment encompasses both non-operative management (e.g. prevention, diagnosis – including image interpretation – and treatments such as, but not limited to. neurocritical intensive care and rehabilitation) and operative management with its associated image use and interpretation (e.g. endovascular surgery, functional and restorative surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and spinal fusion – including its instrumentation.
How do I know if I need a neurosurgeon?
Your primary care physician may recognize your condition as something that warrants a neurosurgical assessment and may refer you to our office. However, most insurance carriers do not require a referral from a primary care office. Therefore, you are welcome to make your own appointment, and we can let your know if your insurance carrier requires a referral. If you are unsure about your carrier’s preferences, please call us or your insurance carrier for more information.
New Patient FAQs:
Is a referral required?
A referral is not required to see Dr. Hamilton. However, many physicians refer to Dr. Hamilton, because of his expertise. Although a referral for an office visit or consultation is not required, many treatments and procedures do require authorization from your insurance carrier.
How do I get my Medical Records?
Due to federal laws regarding protection of your personal health information, a medical records release form must be filled out. Click here to download the form.
What insurances do you take?
We accept most insurances including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Medicare. To check your specific insurance benefits, please call our office.
Do I have a copay?
Every insurance carrier requires different payment rates from patients. To find out how much your visit will cost you, you can call your insurance carrier (their number is typically located on the back of your insurance card) or call our office, and we will be happy to check your insurance for you. Because of insurance regulations, we are required to collect payment in full at the time of your visit. For your convenience, we accept many forms of payment including cash, checks, and credit cards.