How do I get an appointment?
You call 1-800-227-4599 or 406-455-2971 and our Spine Institute RN Clinical Navigator will assist you in getting to the right place. 

Do I need a referral?
No, you just need to place a call to the Spine Institute RN Clinical Navigator who will make the appropriate referral for you.

What do I bring to my appointments?
Any prior x-rays, MRIs, CT Scans, diagnostic testing or medical records that would assist the provider.  The Spine Institute RN Clinical Navigator can assist you in obtaining if necessary.

What should I expect on my first visit?
Your initial visit is designed to provide you and your health care team the information needed to make critical health care decisions.  Normally, the initial visit will include, if not already completed, an x-ray, MRI if appropriate, and a consult with a physician assistant or spine surgeon.

Prior to your visit, you will consult with a Spine Institute RN Clinical Navigator who will review your medical history with you and schedule all appropriate testing and appointments.

What is minimally invasive spine surgery and how is it different from traditional spine surgery?
Traditional spine surgery typically requires long incisions in the back. Muscles are cut and separated from the spine to allow access to the spinal anatomy. Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through small incisions in the back. Surgeons use specialized instruments and navigational tools such as intra-operative x-ray, microscopes and tubular retractors. Like traditional spine surgery, the goal of minimally invasive surgery is to relieve your back and/or leg pain. However, as little muscle tissue as possible should be damaged with minimal invasive surgery.

Is minimally invasive surgery a new technique?
No, it is common for many other operations, including:  heart surgery, bariatric surgery, total hip replacement, appendectomy and gallbladder removal.

Some benefits of minimally invasive surgery are: smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, less surgical blood loss, shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain medication, and faster return to work and daily activities. 

Are there any serious signs or conditions I should be worried about?
The majority of back or neck problems do not require surgery.  Your doctor will determine the seriousness of your problem and the appropriate treatment.

Serious signs or symptoms to report include; back pain that is severe and constant; radiating arm or leg pain; weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs; loss of control over bowel or bladder function; loss of balance or difficulty walking.

Why do I need to quit smoking before having spine surgery?
Nicotine causes the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrient rich blood to healing tissues to vasoconstrict (become narrow).  This limited blood supply can slow the healing process and may possibly lead to complications.

Stopping smoking well before and after surgery will maximize your ability to heal.  You may want to quit smoking permanently.  Your doctor can give you advice on helpful ways to stop smoking.

If you have any questions about Benefis Health System, or this website, please email us. We want to hear from you!