Don’t be fooled: Laser Spine Institute myths and facts

Choosing the right spine care provider isn’t an easy decision. While the internet can be a great place to research your options for relief, you may have heard some misconceptions about “laser spine surgery” and providers like Laser Spine Institute. It may leave you wondering, “What is laser spine surgery,” and where can I turn for the facts?

We’re here to set the record straight. Below, you’ll hear the truth about the procedures and outcomes Laser Spine Institute is known for.

Myth: Laser Spine Institute is no different than other spine surgery providers.
Facts: We’re the leaders in minimally invasive spine surgery, and for reasons we can prove. Our minimally invasive outpatient procedures offer our patients a shorter recovery time^{^} than traditional open spine surgery, along with a less than 1-inch incision, reduced risk of infection and minimal blood loss. Our skilled orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons focus exclusively on the spine, unlike most traditional surgeons in a hospital setting.

Myth: They don’t have real doctors.
Facts: Our surgeons are board certified⁺ with a minimum of five years of fellowship training and experience. In addition, to perform surgery at Laser Spine Institute, they must also complete a unique training program specific to our minimally invasive techniques and patient-centered care.

Myth: Outpatient spine surgery has not been proven effective.
Facts: As industry leaders, we have the opportunity to conduct large-scale studies that our competitors haven’t been able to match. In 2016, our team conducted one of the largest outpatient studies on minimally invasive decompression surgery performed in an ambulatory surgery center. Read the results of 500 patients.

Myth: Minimally invasive technology is not safe.
Facts: Laser Spine Institute surgeons only use medical devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our minimally invasive outpatient approach also reduces the risk of complication and infection compared to traditional open spine procedures. In fact, we’ve helped many patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome caused by traditional open back surgery.

Myth: Outpatient facilities are untrustworthy.
Facts: All of Laser Spine Institute’s facilities are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, and we’re not stopping there. By providing the highest level of patient-centered care at our state-of-the-art facilities, we’re setting new benchmarks in spine care. Our Philadelphia facility earned a Gold-level Planetree designation — the first ambulatory surgery center in the world to receive such recognition.

Myth: They can’t fix you with a laser.
Facts: While “laser” is a part of our name, the laser is used in 20 to 30 percent of our procedures at Laser Spine Institute. Often performed along with a primary procedure, the laser is typically used during a facet thermal ablation to relieve painful nerves caused by arthritis, or to address soft tissue damage that’s causing nerve compression. Our surgeons also use many other tools, such as a rongeur and a burr, during our minimally invasive decompression and stabilization procedures.

Myth: They don’t accept insurance.
Facts: Laser Spine Institute welcomes many leading insurance providers both in and out of network. We know that a major concern is the cost of surgery, which is why we also offer convenient financing options so you can get the relief you deserve.

Myth: People don’t get real relief at Laser Spine Institute.
Facts: Some have suffered for months; some have suffered for decades. At Laser Spine Institute, we help patients find relief from debilitating neck and back pain — and it’s more than that. To us, it’s getting our patients back to their active, happier lives. We hold a patient satisfaction score of 96,^{^} and when it comes to our patients’ inspiring stories, we encourage you to hear it from them.

If you’re considering surgery to treat your spine condition, knowing where to turn for answers is just as important as the provider you choose. Do you have other questions for Laser Spine Institute? Contact our Care Team today to get the facts about our minimally invasive surgery advantages and personalized medical experience.