Priority Consult

The neurosurgical service at the Illinois Neurological Institute (INI) has a long history of caring for patients with spinal problems that range from low back pain to disorders requiring complex surgical intervention.  Utilizing Priority Consult, a unique triage process developed at the Mayfield Clinic, patients referred to the INI Spine Institute are provided with a rapid neurosurgical opinion rather than waiting weeks or even months for an initial appointment with a spine specialist.     

Upon referral to the INI Spine Institute, patients are contacted by an Intake Specialist who obtains an in-depth spinal history and any pertinent diagnostic studies that have been completed.  Once the history and diagnostic testing are available, a neurosurgeon reviews the information, provides his impression, and recommends a personalized treatment plan.   

Following review by the neurosurgeon, Registered Nurse Care Coordinators educate patients on the surgeon's impressions and recommendations.  The Care Coordinators facilitate initiation of the treatment plan, which can include a variety of options including an immediate appointment with the surgeon, referral to another specialist, additional diagnostic testing, or a course of conservative treatment.  The Care Coordinator also follows patients throughout the treatment process and keeps their primary care and referring physicians informed of their progress.

This innovative process offers many benefits to our patients.  Early review by the neurosurgeon ensures that patients receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.  Patients in need of immediate neurosurgical intervention are identified and those likely to respond to conservative treatment are directed to the correct treatment option.  Not only does this result in faster resolution of symptoms and the likelihood of a better outcome, patients are saved valuable time and money as the INI Spine Institute offers this service at no cost.   

For additional information please call:

Phone: 309.676.0766