Welcome
education empowerment engagement
Spine Pathways and Blogs
Core values
Mission statement of Empowerment
Mission statement of Empowerment
Mission statement of Empowerment
Our mission is simple. Provide the best care, the best way possible for patients with spinal diseases. This is a means in which we can educate, empower, and engage our patients.
The site is not meant as a substitute for direct spinal care, for emergencies, and as a conduit for sensitive patient related information.
Education
Mission statement of Empowerment
Mission statement of Empowerment
We want to share opportunities to educate yourself about your condition and also how to prepare yourself if you are scheduled for a procedure.
Engage
Mission statement of Empowerment
Engage
A Committment to get our patients better thru Connectivity.
Guidebooks for Surgery
Spine Education
What are things to do before Surgery?
1.Contact your Insurance Company.
2. Registration at the Hospital.
3. Medical and Anesthesia Clearance.
4. Laboratory Tests
What to expect?
Bills for Services
Patients will routinely get separate bills from the hospital, surgeon, hospitalist, anesthesiologist, internist, radiologist, and surgical assistant.
PreOperative Best Practices
NPO means "nothing by mouth," often at least eight hours for solid meals, four hours for very clear liquids like gatorade.
Bring loose fitting clothing, remove contact lenses, dentures prior to surgery.
Please make sure the doctor has the CDs of the imaging of CTs, MRIs, Xrays prior to surgery. Often reports are "sent" but the CDs are what shows the images of the pathology.
Discontinue one week prior:
Aspirin products, NSAIDs, Herbal supplements
Often patients can take Lyrica, Neurontin, blood pressure medications with a small sip of water.
Please bring a printed sheet with medications and doses, a CPAP machine if applicable, your necessary IDs, insurance information, an any monies for copayments.
Day Zero:
On the day of surgery, expect to check into registration and admission to the PreOperative Surgical Unit.
You will change into a hospital gown, get IV lines placed for medications, get interviewed by the nursing staff. Often you will be asked to put on white tight stockings.
The anesthesiologist will interview you and the surgeon can review your consent with you.
After Surgery:
You will go to what is called a PACU. Post Anesthesia Care Units have highly trained RNs and staff to ensure you are stable prior to transfer to the inpatient unit. In Medical Center of Plano, the main spinal unit is on the 6th floor.