PATIENTS

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) provides your surgeon with real-time feedback on the function and health of your nervous system. The use of IONM mitigates some of the complexities inherent to surgeries involving the spinal cord and nerves by offering the ability to detect injuries before they cause post-surgical deficits.

Our surgical neurophysiologist technician will be an integral part of your surgical team and will be in the room with you throughout your surgery.  After anesthesia has helped you off to sleep, our technician will attach a series of electrodes at different points on your body with the locations being dependent upon the type of surgery being performed and the structures at risk.  Once the electrodes are in place they are connected to specialized monitoring equipment which is used to run tests on your neural function.

Using sophisticated and secure (HIPPA Compliant) telemedicine services, your neural responses will be monitored by our onsite technician and remotely by one of The Phoenix supervising neurologists . If changes occur during the procedure, our technologist will inform your surgeon who will take immediate action.

The Electroencephalogram (EEG)

This is a recording of the on-going electrical activity of the brain. EEG’s assist in the diagnosis of various brain disorders and assures the surgeon that the brain is receiving enough oxygen.

The Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)

This measures the conduction of sensation above and below the area of surgery. Electrodes are stimulated with an electrical current at the hands and feet and the response is recorded as the signal travels to the brain. This checks the function of the sensory portion of the nerves and spinal cord.

The Motor Evoked Potential (MEP)

The MEP involves the electrical stimulation of the motor cortex using electrodes on the scalp. This stimulation evokes a motor response leading to the movement of the extremities. This checks the function of the motor portion of the nerves and spinal cord.

Electromyography (EMG)

These evaluate electrical potentials from spinal nerve roots and peripheral nerves. Electrodes are placed in the muscles that are innervated by the nerves at risk and monitored for activity. This helps the surgeon make sure nerves are not damaged during some surgical procedures.

Pedicle Screw Testing

These tests assist surgeons during placement of hardware during spine surgeries. Surgeons place a probe over the pedicle screw to deliver a small electrical current. This helps to verify that no breach or crack in the bone occurred during screw placement.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses (BAER, BAEP, BEP)

Brainstem evoked potentials are obtained by stimulating the auditory system with click stimuli. These clicks cause neural action potentials and are used to evaluate disturbances of the auditory nerve and to retractor disturbances of the brainstem.

Your safety is our number one priority which is why all of our surgical neurophysiologists are board certified or eligible inThe Certificate in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM®). The CNIM® is awarded by the American Board of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET®) and is recognized as the standard for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring technologists. Our protocols and procedures are also written according to the technical and clinical standards set by ABRET®. With The Phoenix you can rest assured that you are receiving highly trained and experienced technologists. 

For further information please go to the American Board of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists Website:

www.abret.org

Many complications involving the nervous system can be avoided with careful monitoring during surgery. Your surgeon recognizes the advantage of IONM as another tool in addition to his/her own surgical skill and its proven benefit to improve the outcomes of surgery.

Most insurance providers have IONM coverage as part of their plans; it is probable that you have this coverage. Keeping in mind that it is our goal to work closely with your payor to receive the maximum benefit your plan allows. If, in the rare instance you do not have this benefit, we will work with you on an individual basis to make sure you still get the protection you deserve from our service. Please feel free to reach out to our billing department with any questions at billing@thephoenix.pro.

We have a process of working with your insurance company to ensure they cover the costs for the service you received from your in-network surgeon. Often this process may take many months and you may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) as we communicate with your insurance company. Please be assured THIS IS NOT A BILL. We go to great lengths to continue to care for your well-being after your surgery and part of that is making sure you are not put through any undue stress. You may be asked to complete and sign a Designation of Representation (DOR) from your insurance company. This will allow our billing associate to work on your behalf to maximize your benefits.

Some payor plans pay this benefit directly to you, the patient. If you receive a payment from your insurance, after your surgery, please contact our office immediately at (636) 226-4159or billing@thephoenix.pro and our associate will help guide you on where to send the payment;  this payment is for The Phoenix for services we provided.

Any co-pay or co-insurance that is not covered may be billed to you. We work directly with your insurance provider to minimize and/or eliminate any costs to you.

No, we will negotiate throughout the entire process and utilize all means available to reduce and/or eliminate costs to you.

We have interest-free payment plans and financial hardship waivers available if necessary.

No. We understand that you may have questions about your claim as it goes through the process. You are encouraged to contact our offices at (636) 226-4159 or billing@thephoenix.pro.