Get a Second Opinion
Patient Information
Form
Undergoing spine surgery is a confusing even terrifying process to undergo.
There are so many procedures and options,
it can be almost impossible to sort it all out, especially for a lay person.
It is hard to know what questions to ask and
even harder to know how to interpret the answers. Do I really need the
surgery? What are my chances of improvement?
What are the risks and what are the odds that I will have a complication?
If I am looking at a new procedure, how many
has my surgeon done and what kind of outcomes has he had? These are only
some of the questions that need to be
asked and answered. It is usually wise to get more than one opinion before
making a final decision about surgery.
Unfortunately, it can be extremely hard to find a doctor who will give
a second opinion or to get an appointment in a timely way.
Dr. Kleeman receives requests from patients all over the country to look
at their records and radiographic studies to see
if they are a candidate for this type of surgery. Dr. Kleeman reviews
the medical records and diagnostic
studies and then sets up a telephone interview if the patient seems to
be a good candidate for this type of surgery.
If the patient is then interested in having the surgery performed by Dr.
Kleeman, arrangements can made for
them to travel to Manchester, New Hampshire.
Patients can stay at one of two hotels situated next door to The New
Hampshire Neurospine Institute. The hospital is
within 5 miles of the hotel. They are asked to come 24 – 48 hours
before the surgery and to stay locally for up to a week
after the surgery.
We can arrange for patients to come next door to the Institute for therapy
or dressing care or can have visiting nurses come
to the hotel if that is more convenient. In most cases the patient can
travel home within 7 – 10 days. Follow-up is then
arranged by phone. X-rays can be sent from the patient’s local facility.
If you are interested in having a second opinion from Dr. Kleeman,
here is what to do:
1. Download the Patient
Information Form and fill it out as completely as you can.
2. Get copies of all of your pertinent doctor’s notes, prior surgery
records, test reports, etc.
3. Have copies made of your x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other tests and
if possible have them put on a CD.
4. Include contact information (with email if possible) including how
and when to best reach you.
5. Send to the following address:
Thomas J. Kleeman, MD
New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute
4 Hawthorne Drive
Bedford, NH 03110
Tel: 603.472.8888
Fax: 603.472.9090
www.nhneurospine.com
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