Advantages of Private Consultation include

• Faster appointments (no delays from insurance)
• No pre-authorization paperwork
• Full privacy – no data collection

We offer both in-person visits and online consultations (Zoom).

Private consultations are not available through public health plans (MediCare, Medic-Aid, Medi-Cal).

Patients on government health plans require a referral from the primary care physician and prior authorization for specialty care.

New patients will be seen promptly based on the available information from the referring physician.

Prior insurance authorization may be required for a specialty evaluation. The family physician will determine if a visit with a neurological surgeon is warranted for your specific condition.

For new symptoms or questions for the neurosurgeon, established patients may see us for a followup appointment anytime.

Neurosurgery conditions that require routine follow-up and monitoring include:

• Tumores cerebrales
• Chiari Malformations
• Hidrocefalia
• Spinal cord tumors
• Spinal deformity
• Estenosis espinal
• Spine cancer
• Spine infections
• Spine trauma and fractures
• Vascular conditions and stroke

1-2 weeks prior to the surgery date, patients will be seen in the outpatient clinic to ensure that everything is ready for a scheduled elective neurosurgery operation.

The patient will be examined for any changes in the neurological condition, and for any other medical conditions that may affect anesthesia and surgery.

Medications will be checked and instructions will be given to the patient and family how to prepare for the upcoming surgery.

Paperwork will be checked and updated, including

• surgery scheduling confirmation from the hospital
• insurance pre-authorization, if required
• availability of CT and MRI scans as needed
• pre-op medical clearance from PCP/family doctor
• check with instrumentation vendor that equipment is ready

Pre-op visits are billed to the insurance company. Patient co-pays and the patient portion of the surgeon’s fee are due at time of the pre-op visit.

2-3 weeks after surgery, patients will be seen in the outpatient clinic to ensure a good recovery. Staples and sutures will be removed.

Dr. Singel will provide patients and their families with detailed information on post-op care and post-op outpatient follow-up, including appointment information.

There is no charge for post-op visits.