In order to have ample time to accurately complete the required patient information and medical history forms, we have provided access to these forms. Please take the time to download the following forms, fill them out, and bring them with you to your first office visit. This will expedite your initial office visit and enable us to process your information more efficiently.

Insurance Information
South Texas Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgery Associates physicians "participate" with almost all of the major insurance carriers as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid patients require a referral from their primary care physician. If you have any questions about whether or not we participate with your plan, please call the office or your insurance company to verify.  We only file claims with your primary insurance company; you will need to file for any secondary or tertiary coverage you may have. We will provide you with a coded receipt to attach to the EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from your primary carrier. Co-payments, co-insurance, and/or deductible amounts are payable at the time of service. Deductible amount will be due before surgery on a proposed surgery. Any balance remaining after insurance has paid is due within 30 days unless you contact our administrator to arrange reasonable payment terms.

Understanding your responsibilities
You are the only one who can decide which treatment is best for you. It is important that you recognize that you have a responsibility to participate in, and take ownership of, any decisions involving your health care. You will be asked to make the final decision about what is best for you, so ask questions about anything you do not understand. Check out this web site to understand the procedures. And again, ask questions. Your family and close friends are an important part of the collaborative process. We encourage you to include them in any education sessions we provide concerning your condition. If you choose to have surgery, we will make every effort to keep family members informed of your progress and to involve them in your recovery process.  Deciding which treatment option is best for you involves weighing the risks and benefits associated with each option. If you eventually choose to have surgery, your physical condition and your mental attitude will determine your body's ability to heal. You must approach your surgery with confidence, a positive mental attitude and a thorough understanding of the anticipated outcome. You should have realistic goals - and be willing to work steadily to achieve those goals.

In our practice, we strive to attain the best possible healing and recovery for every patient. Because every patient is unique, we prescribe treatment based on a thorough evaluation, which we perform utilizing the latest technological advancements available. We believe in evaluating patients promptly and educating them on their diagnosis, so they can play an active role in the decision-making and treatment process. Our clinical experience has shown us that patients who participate in their own health care decisions are far more likely to achieve an optimal level of healing and recovery.

New Patients Before Your Appointment
We look forward to serving you as you begin your health care with us. Your Health Team would like to save you some time on your initial visit to our center. Please download, print and fill out your completed New Patient Information forms and bring the information requested with you to your appointment. Your Initial Visit Click here to download the New Patient Information Pack (Acrobat PDF) During your initial visit you will be seen by our staff who will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. A focused neurological examination will then be made by your doctor. While many patients want to discuss in great detail the exact event which may have caused their injury, the most important information your health care team needs involves your symptoms (such as where you have pain, weakness, numbness, etc.) and what limitations these symptoms place on your everyday activities. Please take the time to write down this information. X-rays may be taken if none are available. After reviewing your medical history and diagnostic tests, you will be presented with a number of treatment options. We will inform you of the risks and benefits of each option and will assist you in making the final decision concerning which option is best for you. You should allow 2 hours for an initial evaluation.

Please bring the following to your appointment:

• Completed new patient information forms
• Insurance Card
• Drivers License or other picture identification card
• Any and all films pertaining to your injury (example MRI, CT scan X-Ray etc.)
• Medical records/reports pertaining to your injury
• Referrals if required by your insurance plan
• Minor patients (under 18 yrs of age) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at every visit.

Emergencies
STOSSA also treats patients that have been injured at work or in an automobile or other third-party liability type accident. Please call the office for specific details regarding these types of injuries.

If you have an emergency after normal office hours, you will be directed to go to the nearest hospital emergency room where you will be evaluated by the emergency room physician. They will be in direct contact with your doctor or the on-call doctor from our office.

Patient Forms
All of our forms are posted in Adobe Acrobat and you will need Acrobat Reader to view and print them. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, please click on the icon below and follow the on screen instructions for a free download.

» Patient Information Form 
» Patient History Form

To obtain your records from STOSSA or have STOSSA obtain your records, you will need to fill out and sign one of the following forms: 

» Authorization for Release of Medical Records (permission for STOSSA to release your records to another source)
» Records Release Form (permission for STOSSA to obtain records from another source)
» Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA Consent Form