Patient Information

Welcome to Our Practice!

We’re glad you’ve chosen us for your care. To make your visit as smooth as possible, please review the following important information:

Before Your Appointment

To help us prepare for your visit, please complete and submit your new patient paperwork before scheduling your appointment. This ensures we have everything ready for your first visit.

Talking with Our Team

We understand that medical care can feel overwhelming, and our team is here to help. You are always welcome to speak with your doctor’s practice manager, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant about your condition, previous tests, and treatment plan. Please share as much information as possible, being open and honest helps us provide you with the best care.

Our dedicated staff works closely with your neurosurgeon and can explain tests, surgery, and postoperative care in a way that’s easy to understand. We’re always happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and ensure you feel supported throughout your treatment.

Day of your Appointment

To save time at check-in, please remember to bring and have ready:

✅ Your insurance card(s)
✅ A valid photo ID
✅ Your MRI, CT, or X-ray images on a CD (if applicable)

Having these images is essential for your physician to provide the best care. If your images are available online, please check with our office before your appointment to confirm we can access them.

Getting the Most Out of Your Appointment

Your examination is tailored to your symptoms, test results, medical records, and the information you provide. To make the most of your visit:

✅ Share any concerns or symptoms you have, no matter how small they may seem.
✅ Ask questions—we want to ensure you fully understand your condition and treatment options.
✅ Know that we’ll keep your referring physician informed by sharing copies of your records.

Our goal is for you to leave your appointment feeling informed, confident, and cared for.

Emergencies

As part of our commitment to patient care, our providers take trauma call and may occasionally be delayed at the hospital due to emergencies, which may lead to unexpected delays or the need to reschedule appointments. We understand this can be inconvenient and truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we prioritize urgent medical care. Your health and time are important to us, and we will do our best to keep you informed of any changes.

Wait Times

We strive to provide the highest level of medical care for our patients. While we make every effort to run on schedule, the nature of healthcare means that some cases require more time than anticipated. As a result, wait times may sometimes exceed an hour, and on occasion, your appointment may need to be rescheduled. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide the best care possible to all our patients.

Insurance & Copayments

If your insurance requires a copay, it must be paid at the time of your visit—we’re unable to bill you later. If you cannot pay your copay at check-in, your appointment will need to be rescheduled.
We are contracted with most insurance companies. To confirm coverage, please contact your insurance provider or our authorizations and referrals department at (619) 297-4481 x 108 or 112.
While we file claims for participating insurance plans, you are responsible for any remaining balance.
Please note: We do not bill third parties or auto accident claims.

Handicapped Access

Convoy Office: Our office is on the third floor, and there is elevator access available. Bathrooms are located on each floor—just go right off the elevators.

La Mesa Office: Our office is on the second floor with elevator access. Bathrooms are on the first floor on the northwest side of the building and will require an access code.

If you need any assistance during your visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are happy to help!

Prescription Refills

Please allow 72 hours for prescription refills, as our physicians are often in surgery.
Non-narcotic refills: Contact your pharmacy, and they can send us an electronic request
Narcotic refills: These require an electronic prescription and cannot be called in.
To receive a refill, you must have been seen in our office within the last three months.

Zero Tolerance Policy

At NMC, we are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for our patients and staff. We have a zero-tolerance policy for behavior that is abusive, threatening, or disruptive. This includes yelling, using foul language, or being disrespectful to our team or others.
We understand that medical issues can be stressful, and we are always here to help. However, any behavior that puts our staff or other patients at risk may result in immediate dismissal from our practice. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a positive and professional environment.

Referrals & Insurance Authorization

If your insurance requires prior authorization or a referral, please ensure it has been obtained before scheduling your appointment. Unfortunately, we are unable to schedule without the necessary approvals.

For referrals, please ask your referring physician to fax any relevant medical records related to your visit. If our providers recommend further testing that requires insurance preauthorization, please allow our referral coordinators up to 14 business days to process the request.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us—we’re here to help!

Medical Tests & Imaging

After reviewing your medical history and completing your examination, your provider may recommend additional tests to help with diagnosis and treatment planning. If a test is needed:

📌 We’ll explain the test and answer any questions you may have.
📌 Our team will help schedule it and verify insurance authorization if required. We also recommend checking with your insurance provider for confirmation.
📌 We’re here to help! If you're unsure about a test or what to expect, just ask—we want you to feel comfortable and informed.

Below are some of the most common tests we may recommend:

X-ray

X-rays use radiation waves to create images of bones, organs, and tissues. They are especially helpful for evaluating bone alignment and detecting fractures or abnormalities.

MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves (instead of radiation) to produce detailed images of the body’s soft tissues, brain, and spine. It is a non-invasive test used for diagnosing a variety of conditions.

CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)

A CT scan is a special type of X-ray that creates detailed 3D images of the body. It is often used to guide surgeons in complex procedures and to assess conditions affecting the spine and brain.

Myelogram

A myelogram is a special type of X-ray where a dye is injected into the spinal canal to provide a detailed view of the spinal cord and nerve roots. It is useful for diagnosing herniated discs, spinal injuries, or tumors

Angiogram

An angiogram evaluates blood flow in the arteries and veins of the head, neck, and brain. A doctor inserts a small catheter into a major artery, injects a contrast dye, and takes X-rays to detect issues like narrowed arteries or aneurysms.

Electromyography (EMG)

An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles to help identify nerve or muscle disorders. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

NCS evaluates how well electrical signals travel through your nerves. It is often used to diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and ulnar neuropathy.

Epidural Steroid Injection

This procedure involves injecting a mix of cortisone and local anesthetic into the spine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal narrowing. This is typically done by a pain management or physical medicine and rehab physician.

If you have any questions about these tests or procedures, please don’t hesitate to ask! Our team is here to support you every step of the way.