For Patients
BACK PAIN
Back pain is the primary symptom treated. Before you consider any treatment for your back problems, keep the following in mind: most people whose primary symptom is back pain improve in several days with minimal treatment. That’s why noninvasive treatment options should almost always be the first step in treatment. In fact, 90% of all cases involving back pain can be treated without surgery. Dr. Orisek will always recommend the least invasive treatment option available, while still providing comprehensive care. When surgery does become necessary, he will use only the most advanced technologies and surgical techniques available, helping you avoid prolonged disruptions to your daily routine.
Typically, spine surgery should be considered only after conservative treatment methods have failed. Any decision about spine surgery requires careful evaluation because the type and timing of surgery depend on the severity of the disorder, the presence or absence of pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, how long the pain has been present, and past medical history. Most often, an MRI is needed to determine this. Your primary care physician or chiropractor can help you get this ordered before you see Dr. Orisek, in order to get the most from your initial visit. Other tests that are sometimes used are CT scans, X-rays, nerve conductions studies, bone scans and discograms.
Thank you for trusting Dr. Orisek and his staff to care for you. Dr. Orisek will look at your needs, current problems and past medical history and make his recommendations based on what is best for you. Not every patient is a surgical candidate but Dr. Orisek will discuss all of your options with you.
When you are referred to our office we will call you to schedule your first appointment. We will also mail a new patient packet to you or give you directions to download one from our website.
Our office is located inside the Folsom Health & Wellness Center at 2575 East Bidwell Street, Suite 220, Folsom, CA 95630. Our office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For us to best treat your condition or injury, we need to have a comprehensive understanding of your current health status and your medical history. When you come in for your initial consult, please bring all of the items listed below. If Dr. Orisek does not have all of your relevant medical records and films at the time of your visit, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT:
- Your New Patient Packet completely filled out.
- Previous X-Rays, CT Scans, or MRI Scans: Films AND Reports must be provided.
- Medical records of previous testing or treatment (EMGs, physical therapy, etc.).
- A list of current medications.
- Insurance card and co-payment, if applicable.
- Driver's License.
Upon arrival at our office, please sign in at the front window, where the completion of all appropriate forms will be verified, and where you will be asked for personal and insurance information. You will also be asked to review the Notice of Privacy Practices and to sign an Acknowledgement, Consent & Release form. Once registration is complete, you will be escorted to the first available exam room. The medical assistant will weigh you and take your vitals as well as reviewing your current medications. Dr. Orisek will then meet with you for an examination and consultation.
Dr. Orisek will discuss the options for your diagnosis. It will take approximately two hours to complete your initial visit and may be longer depending on the complexity of the care required. After your examination and consultation, you will receive an explanation of your condition and may be provided with instructions on necessary follow-up diagnostics or appointments. Please understand that due to the nature of our practice, emergencies do arise that may cause your appointment to be delayed or even rescheduled.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE!
Our office is located inside the Folsom Health & Wellness Center at 2575 East Bidwell Street, Suite 220, Folsom, CA 95630. Our office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We cannot schedule a surgery at the hospital until we have received authorization for the surgery in writing. Our surgery coordinator, Sue Kort, will work closely with you to schedule your surgery as soon as we have obtained this authorization. She will also coordinate your pre-operative appointments and tests, as well as your post operative appointments. She can be reached at 916-817-6390 or [email protected].
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Pre-operative testing (i.e. blood work, chest x-rays, EKGs, and stress tests) will be required prior to surgery. All testing must be completed 2 – 4 weeks prior to surgery. Your level of fitness and nutrition prior to surgery should be maintained to the best of your ability. Continue with any fitness activities that do not cause pain. Maintain a healthy balanced diet. Let your doctor know of any sudden changes in your general health. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications two weeks prior to surgery: Motrin, aspirin, Advil, ibuprofen, or any other blood thinners. Consult with your cardiologist if you have HISTORY OR ARE AT RISK FOR STROKE AND CORONARY DISEASE – you can take Tylenol or continue taking your pain medications if they do not contain any anti-inflammatory components. Continue taking any other regular prescription medications for your general health. Please discuss ALL medications you are taking with Dr. Orisek, Phil Lanum, our surgery coordinator and any other physicians you are treating with before surgery. Please bring a list of all medications you are taking with you to your appointment.
If you smoke cigarettes, it is strongly advised that you decrease the amount you smoke or stop smoking completely. Research indicates that smoking adversely affects bone healing and will thus delay or impede your full recovery following surgery. Inhalation of smoke irritates the breathing passages and may lead to respiratory problems during and after surgery. Any errands (i.e. house cleaning and grocery shopping) should be completed prior to surgery. The fewer concerns you have upon discharge, the easier your transition home will be.
If your surgery will require you to take time off from work, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits through the State of California.
Click Here For More Information on Temporary Disability Benefits.
Click Here To Download the Form for Temporary Disability Benefits.
PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR HOSPITAL STAY
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL
PLEASE REMEMBER: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING YOUR DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES TO THE HOSPITAL SUCH AS MRI FILMS, X-RAYS AND CT SCANS
WHAT TYPES OF INSURANCE DO YOU ACCEPT?
We are only contracted with Medicare, but we are happy to see patients from any insurance company as an out of network provider. Please be sure to call your insurance to find out what your benefits would be.
IS THAT DR. ORISEK’S SOONEST APPOINTMENT?
We will always try to schedule new patients at our first available appointment. Dr. Orisek is often booked out for several months. We are happy to put you on a cancellation list if you are flexible with your appointment time.
DOES DR. ORISEK SEE OTHER BODY PARTS BESIDES SPINE?
Yes. Although Dr. Orisek specializes in treatment of the spine, he is board certified with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and may see you for other conditions involving arms, elbows, hands, wrists, knees, hips, legs, ankles and feet.
I’M LOST. HOW DO I GET TO YOUR OFFICE?
Our office is located in the Folsom Health & Wellness Center at 2575 East Bidwell Street, Suite 220, Folsom, CA 95630. Please go to the CONTACT page for directions.
AT WHICH HOSPITALS DOES DR. ORISEK PERFORM SURGERY?
Dr. Orisek performs most of his surgeries at Sutter Medical Center/ Ose Admas Medical Pavilion, Mercy General Hospital, and occasionally Greater Sacramento Surgery Center.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO BE SEEN BY DR. ORISEK?
No. Some patients who have an HMO or are covered under a workmen’s compensation claim will need to have a referral, but it is not necessary for most patients. If you call to set up an appointment without a referral, just be sure to have all of your prior medical records and films available for Dr. Orisek’s review. If you have questions regarding a referral or a new patient appointment, please call our New Patient Coordinator Kate Ortiz at 916-817-6390.
WHAT STUDIES DO I NEED FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Please bring films from all prior studies to your appointment for Dr. Orisek to review. In most cases, Dr. Orisek would prefer that you have an MRI that was taken within the last year. See “Your First Visit” for other items to bring to your first appointment.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT AND HOW LONG WILL I BE THERE?
Your first appointment will involve an examination and consultation. You will receive an explanation of your condition and may be provided with instructions on necessary follow-up diagnostics or appointments. Dr. Orisek will discuss the options for your diagnosis. It will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete your initial visit and may be longer depending on the complexity of the care required. No surgeries are performed in the office and if recommended, our surgery coordinator will work with you to schedule it at a later date. Please see the section YOUR FIRST VISIT for more details.
DO YOU SEE PATIENTS COVERED UNDER A WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIM?
Yes. Dr. Orisek is not a member of any of the Medical Provider Networks (MPNs), but he is happy to see you as long as your visit is authorized. Your Primary Treating Physician (PTP) can request for authorization for a consult with Dr. Orisek and then send the referral to our office.
HOW DO I GET MY PRESCRIPTIONS REFILLED?
Please have your pharmacy fax the refill requests to our office at 916-817-6385. If you have any questions regarding your refill requests, please contact the medical assistant at 916-817-6390. Please allow 2 – 3 business days to process your refill requests.
WHEN WILL MY SURGERY BE SCHEDULED?
We cannot schedule a surgery at the hospital until we have received authorization for the surgery in writing. Our surgery coordinator, Sue Kort, will work closely with you to schedule your surgery as soon as we have obtained this authorization. She will also coordinate your pre-operative appointments and tests, as well as your post operative appointments. She can be reached at 916-817-6390.
TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS
If your surgery will require you to take time off from work, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits through the State of California.
POST SURGERY DEVICES
You may have been given an H-Wave device and/or a bone growth stimulator at your first follow up appointment. H-Wave is a unique form of comfortable and effective electronic stimulation that focuses on pain control and soft tissue rehabilitation. By temporarily shutting down the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, treatments with H-Wave provide many hours of relief from just a single treatment and help curb the use of oral pain medications. Another setting stimulates specific muscles in the body to significantly improve blood flow and lymphatic action. H-Wave is indicated for use both pre- and post-operatively and helps to speed recovery.
Click on the H-Wave logo to be directed to their website where you can learn more.
In order to avoid any delays in your treatment, PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
CHANGES WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF CAN INCLUDE:
- Name Change
- Address Change
- Phone Number Change
- Change of Insurance Company
- Change of Insurance Type
- Any Change Related to Billing
To submit your updated information, please send an email to: [email protected].
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!