A patient calls Mayfield Brain & Spine, and a whole series of events is set in motion, with one goal in mind – finding the best route to lasting pain relief and a healthier life.
From imaging to physical therapy to injections for pain, these steps help the patient either prepare for surgery or avoid it altogether. In about 80 percent of Mayfield’s spine cases, the patient does not undergo surgery.
“We help the patient find the quickest path to an evaluation and initiate treatment to help manage their symptoms,” said Banita Bailey, a nurse care navigator at Mayfield. “We have lots of ways to do that, with layers of review built in to get patients the care they need, when and where they need it.”
The first call to Mayfield’s central number, 513-221-1100, goes directly to a group of Access Coordination specialists. There, trained coordinators ask patients about their pain level, collect insurance information and outline the options. They use Mayfield’s entry options to schedule an evaluation or arrange for a review of their symptoms to determine the appropriate testing. If patients report “red flag symptoms,” such as extreme weakness or loss of function, the access coordinator will advance the case for review.
Unless a patient has booked a direct appointment, they may be in contact with Mayfield’s care coordinators who provide a point of contact. As directed by Mayfield providers, care coordinators can facilitate physical therapy appointments, help get approvals for testing, arrange for injections with Mayfield interventional pain specialists and schedule follow-up appointments.
For any patients seeking evaluation, the journey starts with quality imaging of their spine. Many patients undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan ordered by their primary care physician or current treating provider. Most of the time, Mayfield can obtain the imaging electronically from the local health systems, or patients can obtain the imaging on their own. Access coordinators can help you get the imaging to Mayfield. Options could include dropping off a disc at the appropriate Mayfield office, mailing the disc or submitting it through the Ambra medical imaging management system.
Thanks to Mayfield’s investment in technology, patients also can get a convenient X-ray at the Norwood or West Chester offices, including on the day of their first appointment. The images allow Mayfield’s physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants to properly diagnose a patient’s condition and recommend the best treatment. After providers review the images, they can recommend treatment options including:
- Physical therapy can increase strength and mobility. Patients can make their own appointments with Mayfield Physical Therapy at 513-569-5220.
- Epidural steroid injections from a Mayfield interventional pain physician can relieve pain and allow the damaged area to heal.
- Radiofrequency ablation can block pain signals to the brain. This is an outpatient procedure.
- A test known as the EMG (electromyography) can determine whether nerves are damaged.
- Trigger point injections can target muscle groups to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles.
Some patients who undergo surgery receive continued monitoring through Mayfield’s nurse care navigators, including Banita Bailey and Michelle Hoeting.
For more information about Mayfield services, visit www.MayfieldClinic.com.