What school did the physician attend?
Please click on the link below to find out more information about each physician.
How long has the physician been practicing?
Please click on the link below to find out more information about each physician.
Should I mail my MRI?
Please do not mail any films. All imaging and x-ray studies done at UCLA will be available to the physician online. Please bring all other films with you on the day of your consultation.
How recent must my MRI be?
Your doctor will want to see your most recent diagnostic studies (MR or CT scan or x-ray. If you have developed new symptoms, such as weakness or numbness, since your last scan, your doctor will want you to have a current scan before you are seen.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is $9.00. Subterranean parking all day is $10.50, or $2.50 for every 20 minutes. Street parking is available. Please be sure to read the signs carefully to avoid a parking citation. We're sorry, but the clinic does not validate parking.
Are there any restrictions on the age group?
Nick Shamie, M.D. will see minors 15 and older. William Oppenheim, M.D., a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, sees children under 15 years old.
How do I verify if the physician I would like to see is in network?
You will need to contact your insurance company. To ensure your insurance will cover the cost of the consultation, call your insurance company to confirm. For patients who are covered by Medi-Cal, Avner Feldman, MD is a senior spine specialist hired specifically to provide service for this patient population. For patients who do not have insurance or who are covered by Medi-Cal, you may contact Harbor UCLA Medical Center. Duncan McBride, M.D. Chief of Neurosurgery at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and an integral part of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center, oversees this program that assists low-income patients. |
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Who specializes in scoliosis?
Can the spine specialist help with other medical conditions?
It is always important to mention other medical conditions for a comprehensive evaluation. If necessary, plain x-rays can usually be obtained right away. The spine specialist will not follow you for other diagnoses or conditions.
What is the usual recovery time for my specific surgery?
Please visit your physician's website at:
How long will the new patient appointment be?
New patient appointments are approximately one hour in duration. Please note that unexpected delays may cause longer waits for appointments. Please prepare and make arrangements accordingly.
How long are MRI and x-ray appointments?
MRI scans are scheduled by appointment through UCLA Radiology, which require you to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled procedure. The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes per level (example: cervical spine). If you will be scanned in multiple areas, the procedure will take longer (example: cervical and thoracic spine together would take about 60 minutes).
If I get my MRI today will the results be available right away?
If your MRI is done at UCLA or Santa Monica UCLA, the images will be available online for the UCLA doctor to view once the scan is completed. It will take 1-3 days before the radiology report will be available for the doctor.
Do I need to bring all of my medical records?
Please bring spine-related medical records.
If I am a self-pay patient, what is the cost of the consultation?
The maximum amount is $550. Please be prepared to pay with credit card, check, cash or money order. |
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Do I need to see a surgeon?
We have instituted a new policy to ensure that you are indeed scheduled to see the appropriate sub-specialist. Surgery is considered to be the last step for treatment of spine patients and usually follows only after conservative treatment. We can have you see the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center physiatrist for work up, who will evaluate you and provide further therapy, appropriate medications and epidural injections if indicated. Patients who undergo epidural injections may not need surgery. If you have failed conservative care, the physiatrist will refer you to a surgeon for a surgical consultation.
Although some patients prefer to see a surgeon on their initial visit, unless they have tried and failed conservative care, they may not be surgical candidates and will need to be treated by a non-operative physician first. This policy allows patients that have been through conservative care and are ready for surgery to see a surgeon when the need for surgery presents.
Please answer the new patient questionnaire so we may help direct you to the appropriate Spine Specialist.
Patients with acute onset of weakness or bowel and bladder symptoms require immediate surgical consultation. |
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