Why Neurosurgeons Are Best For Spine Surgeries

A neurosurgeon is a doctor that specializes in treating disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. To put it bluntly, neurosurgeons are the cream of the crop when it comes medical specialists.

One common misconception is that neurosurgeons only operate on the brain. Since the nervous system is mainly composed of the brain and spine, neurosurgeons are also the best spine surgeons in Florida.

How Hard is it to Become a Neurosurgeon?

Becoming a neurosurgeon takes a very long time. It can take up to 17 years of additional education and experience (after high school) to become a neurosurgeon.

4 Years of pre-medical education at a university
4 years of medical school
1 year of general surgery internship
5 to 7 years of neurosurgery residency
Continuing education on new advancements in surgeries and research

On top of all the education requirements to become a neurosurgeon, applicants will also need to be in the top of your class in undergrad and medical school. Without a doubt, becoming a neurosurgeon is one of the most challenging career paths a person can take. There are about 5,700 active neurosurgeons practicing in the United States. Only 3,700 of those neurosurgeons are board certified.

When Do You Need a Neurosurgeon?

Depending on the situation, neurosurgeons are needed 70% of the time for spine disorders such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, neck pain, and back pain.

You’ll typically be recommended to a neurosurgeon in Florida if you are a candidate for brain or spine surgery. Just remember that a neurosurgeons first goal is to see if surgery can be avoided. Neurosurgeons will only perform surgery if all conservative methods have been exhausted.

Neurosurgery vs Orthopedic Spine Surgeons

20 years ago, neurosurgeons were the only doctors that were able to perform spine surgery. Today, orthopedic surgeons can specialize in spine procedures as well. Just keep in mind that orthopedic surgeons in Florida primarily specialize in treating muscle skeletal disorders that impact the hips, knees, shoulders, and joints.

Neurosurgeons have extensive understanding of the brain, spine, and vital nerves. This is the primary focus of their residency. When it comes to spine surgery, the best choice is going to be a neurosurgeon.

What Does Being Board Certified Mean For Neurosurgeons?

Neurosurgeons are board certified through the American Board of Neurological Surgery. It is the highest qualification they can obtain. This means that a neurosurgeon is highly knowledgeable in their training and qualifications. Board certification requires passing written and oral exams, as well as a review of how their neurosurgical practice runs.

As stated before, only 3,700 neurosurgeons are board certified in the U.S. When choosing a neurosurgeon for your procedure, we recommend going with one that is board certified.

Patients can check if a neurosurgeon is board certified by using this resource.

How to Find a Great Neurosurgeon in Florida

When looking for a neurosurgeon, it can be helpful to review past outcomes. The easiest way to do that nowadays is through online reviews. Here are some online review sites you can use when doing your preliminary research.

Another thing to note is the difference in cost when a surgical procedure is performed at an outpatient facility vs a hospital. In hospital procedures will cost more due to the overnight stays.

With the latest minimally invasive procedures, most spine surgeries can be done in an outpatient surgery center. These minimally invasive procedures can be performed in less than 2 hours without requiring an overnight stay. Patients will be able to go home the same day as their surgery.

Neurosurgeons Can Perform Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Traditionally, open back surgeries require incisions that are at least 6 inches. With minimally invasive spine surgery, even spinal fusions can be done with incisions that are less than 1 and a half inches.

When choosing a spine surgeon, we recommend picking someone who can perform minimally invasive spine surgery. The recovery times will be significantly shorter and you’ll be back home the same day.

Does Health Insurance Cover Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

If you have health insurance, you should pick a spine surgeon that is in-network with your insurance provider. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at large sums of out-of-pocket expenses. Typically, a surgeon’s website should list the health insurances they are in-network with.

If the surgeon’s reputation is excellent and you feel comfortable with paying a little extra then it can be beneficial to pay those extra costs. Ask your insurance carrier what the out of network expenses will be when seeing a spine surgeon. If you do not have health insurance and want to pay cash, ask the surgeon practice what the cash price of a consultation will be. If you feel comfortable paying that price, go ahead and get a consultation. Some surgeon practices also offer financing options for your spine surgery.

Checklist for Spine Surgeons in Florida

Is the spine surgeon board certified?
Are they a neurosurgeon? Remember that orthopedic surgeons can also do certain spinal surgeries.
Do they specialize in minimally invasive surgeries?
What is their track record? Do they have successful outcomes and positive reviews?
Is the surgeon in a network with your health insurance?

Pick Florida Surgery Consultants For Your Procedure

At Florida Surgery Consultants, we have surgery centers in Gainesville, Ocala, Tampa, Lakeland and Bradenton. Our neurosurgeons are board certified, have extensive experience and specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery.

We are also in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Health Springs, and Medicare. All our procedures are done in an outpatient surgery center and we are a highly rated practice. Call us to schedule a surgical consultation with one of our neurosurgeons.