Spine clinic visit overview

UW Health's spine medicine program is multidisciplinary in approach. Our staff includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, physical therapists and specialized nurses.

To help you better prepare for your clinic visit with us, please review the following information. This comprehensive list outlines what to expect as well as the health care providers you may encounter at a typical clinic visit. Your visit with us may or may not include all of the services listed below. Thank you again for choosing the UW Health Spine Clinic as your health care provider.

Please allow approximately two hours for your initial clinic visit.

Check-in and waiting area

Registration/check-in will be as you enter the clinic building. After checking in, proceed to the second floor waiting area. If you are new to our clinic and have not filled out the patient health history questionnaire, please obtain one at the second floor information desk.

Electronic medical record update

A medical assistant (MA) will bring you from the waiting area and take you to your clinic room. The MA will then update your current medications and health status in your ele ctronic medical record.

Preliminary examination

You will be seen by the physician’s resident, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or medical student, who will note your history, perform a preliminary physical examination and determine if you need radiographic films.

Radiology

If you need new x-ray films, you will be sent down the hall to radiology. You may be asked to change into shorts or a gown for x-rays. You will then return to your clinic room. Your films will be sent electronically to your room; you do not need to hand carry any films.

Physician evaluation and assessment

The physician will review your history and repeat essential parts of the physical examination. At the completion of this assessment, the physician will provide you with a diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan.

The treatment plan may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Prescription for braces/orthotics: Depending on the type of orthotic prescribed, you may see the orthotic technician at your clinic visit, or you may be asked to schedule an appointment at a later date.

• Consult for spine physical therapy: You may schedule a spine physical therapy appointment at any provider covered by your insurance.

• Referral to other health care providers: Contact information will be provided at your clinic visit. Appointments may be scheduled at the Spine Clinic check-out desk, or you may be directed to schedule them on your own.

• Follow-up appointment: Proceed to the Spine Clinic check-out desk to schedule your next appointment. Any doctor orders will have been sent to them electronically.