Spine Clinic Visit Overview
Appointments
UW Health Research Park Spine Clinic
(608) 265-3207
UW Health East Spine Clinic
(608) 265-1250
(608) 265-3207
UW Health East Spine Clinic
(608) 265-1250
Related Resources
UW Health's spine medicine program is multidisciplinary in approach. Our staff includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, physical therapists and specialized nurses.
Following is information to help you better prepare for your Spine Clinic visit.
Please note, appointment times may vary. However, as a general guideline we suggest allowing up to 2 hours for your initial clinic visit.
Check-in and Waiting Area
After checking-in at the entrance to the clinic building, take the stairs or elevators to the second floor and proceed to the Spine Clinic lobby. Please give the receptionist your New Patient Health History Questionnaire. This is the same form that was mailed to you after you scheduled your appointment.
Average time: 15-20 minutes
Electronic Medical Record Update
A medical assistant (MA) or nurse (RN) will bring you from the waiting area to your clinic room where staff will update your current medications and health status in your electronic medical record.
Preliminary Examination
A physician fellow, physician resident, nurse practitioner, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner will see you next. He or she will note your history, perform a preliminary examination and determine whether you will need radiographic films.
Average time: 15-20 minutes
Radiology
If you need new x-ray films, you will be sent down the hall to radiology (you may be asked to change into shorts or a gown for x-rays). You will then return to your clinic room where your films will be viewed electronically by your provider.
Average time: 10-30 minutes
Provider Evaluation and Assessment
The provider will review all available imaging procedures, your medical history and repeat essential parts of the physical examination. At the completion of this assessment, the provider will identify a diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan.
Average time: 20 minutes
The treatment plan may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Prescription for braces/orthotics: Depending on the type of orthotic prescribed, you may see the orthotic technician at your clinic visit, or you may be asked to schedule an appointment at a later date.
- Consult for spine physical therapy: You may be asked to schedule a spine physical therapy appointment at any provider that is covered by your insurance.
- Referral to other health care providers: Contact information will be provided at your clinic visit. Appointments may potentially be scheduled at the Spine Clinic front desk, or you may be directed to schedule them on your own.
- Follow-up appointment: An appointment sheet will be provided at the end of your visit that should be taken to the Spine Clinic front desk to schedule your next visit.