Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your office?

We have two Central Florida locations for your convenience.  Our Main office is located downtown Orlando801 North Orange Avenue Suite 720 Orlando, FL 32801 and we have a satellite office in Kissimmee-720 West Oak Street Suite 111 Kissimmee. Please see the Locations section for addresses and directions.


What is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is the medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which may affect the brain, skull, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; the entire nervous system.  A neurosurgeon may provide surgical as well as non-surgical care for conditions that affect these areas.


What is the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?

Both neurologists and neurosurgeons can evaluate neurologic disorders and both can identify conditions through diagnostic testing and offer non-surgical care.  The difference is only the neurosurgeon can offer surgical treatment for the condition.


Will I need surgery if I’m referred to a neurosurgeon?

It’s possible but not definite.  Your referring doctor most likely believes that your condition will benefit from the evaluation and recommendations of a neurosurgeon.  Whether or not you need surgery can only be determined by the neurosurgeon once you have been evaluated and your complete medical picture has been considered.


Why choose a neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons perform brain surgery and spine surgery Neurosurgeons are known to provide the highest level of expertise in treatments of spine disorders. The majority of operations performed by neurosurgeons are spine surgeries. Physicians who graduate from a neurosurgery program have usually assisted with hundreds of spine procedures.  Once they complete graduate studies they can also complete a post-graduate fellowship, which is focused and intense training for an additional one to two years.

Neurosurgeons are exclusively trained to perform procedures on the entire spine, including the spinal cord and the inner areas of the spinal canal.   Since the spine encloses the spinal cord and nerves, many patients choose to take the extra measure of safety when undergoing spine treatment(s) and choose a neurosurgeon.


What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment is for an evaluation and physical examination, so you should wear loose, comfortable clothing.   You will be seen by the Physician Assistant and the Neurosurgeon at the time of your scheduled appointment.


What do I need to bring to my appointment?

It is extremely important that you bring any MRI scans, CT scans, myelograms or other x-ray studies you may have undergone related to your brain or spine.   Although the reports are helpful, the doctor needs to review the actual films.  Please also bring any physician or hospital records related to the condition you will be seen for.  You will also need to bring your insurance cards and photo identification.  If you will be in relation to a Worker’s Compensation injury or have other coverage related to your injury, please have all of the specific information including claim number, name of company, phone number, and contact person.

If you have an attorney representing you in a case related to your injury, please disclose that information and the attorney’s contact information prior to your appointment.   Lastly, please complete the new patient paperwork and bring it with you to your appointment.  If the forms were not mailed to you in advance, you may download them from this website.  “Patient Forms” tab and print the “Registration Forms” and the “History Forms” then complete and sign where appropriate and bring them with you for the appointment.


How much time will my appointment take?

Since each patient’s appointment is different, it is difficult to provide an estimate of how long you will be in our office.  However, we recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment to register.   We will do our best to see you as promptly as possible and inform you of any unexpected delays.


Am I allowed to bring a spouse, family member, or friend?

Yes.  However, if there are multiple family members who want to discuss your care with the doctor, arrangements can be made for a special follow-up “Family Conference” appointment after your initial appointment.


Will my insurance cover my care at Central Florida Neurosurgery Institute?

We are contracted to work with several insurance carriers. Each company maintains its own guidelines for procedures covered and the specific dollar amount allowed per your chosen policy. For the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please contact your insurance provider directly and request specific information regarding coverage for your treatment. We will do everything we can to provide you and your insurance company with the necessary documentation to process your claim(s).  If you need specific information regarding a particular insurance carrier, please call 407-288-8638.


How much is an office visit?

The cost of an office visit varies depending on the complexity of the problem as determined by our providers. Usually this cost is governed by our contractual arrangements with insurance companies and Medicare.