What to expect when you are referred to a spine surgeon
If you have acute or chronic neck and/or back pain, and/or pain in your upper or lower limbs, you may be referred to a spine specialist for assessment and further investigation.
Once you have your GP or specialist referral, you can either make an appointment via our website nswspinespecialists.com.au/contact or call us on 1300 975 800. Alternatively, your referrer can fill in our online referral form and we will make contact with you within 24-48 hours.
Your first appointment with Dr Hsu or Dr Singh might be conducted via telehealth to determine if you require any additional blood tests or scans (X-rays, MRI or CT scan) before coming into the practice for a face-to-face consultation.
At your first face-to-face consultation you will undergo a physical examination and be provided with the different treatment options for your spinal condition. Your surgeon may advise you to try non-operative strategies first, including physical therapy or a spinal injection, before a follow up consultation is required.
If you and your surgeon do decide surgery is the best option to treat your condition then you will be fully informed about the procedure and any possible risks associated with it. One of our registered nurses will spend time with you discussing how to prepare for your surgery and what to expect in the days and weeks following the operation. You will also be provided with the relevant hospital paperwork and consent agreements.
We know people can often feel overwhelmed with new information, so one of our friendly nurses will contact you shortly after every appointment to answer any questions you have. You can also contact us at any time via email info@ssnsw.com.au or by calling 1300 975 800.
We will be in contact with your GP and/or referrer following on from each of your appointments to give a detailed update about any diagnosis or treatment plan.
For more information on how to prepare for spine surgery or a procedure, visit nswspinespecialists.com.au/patient-information/preparing-for-surgery-procedure/
The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Appointments at NSW Spine Specialists may vary at the discretion of our surgeons.
