What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first visit we will ask you to fill out paperwork explaining your condition and your health history. We will complete a thorough history and physical examination and discuss if any additional tests or imaging is needed. Lastly, we will review your diagnosis and review treatment options together.

Do you require imaging such as X-rays or MRI to be done prior to the first visit?

No, but if you have had relevant X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs we ask that you provide these to make the most of your visit. You can bring the imaging reports and CD with you to your visit. You may also drop it off ahead of time or mail it to us. If your imaging was done at a local hospital system (Providence/Legacy), they can sometimes complete a digital transfer. Please call ahead and check with our staff to see if this can be arranged if you do not have the CD. To make the most of your first visit it is important to pre-arrange one of the options above. If you have questions, please contact the staff for help at (971) 383-1960.

What should I expect on the day of a procedure?

If you are scheduled for a procedure, you will be provided a procedure information sheet with specific instructions and information. These sheets are also available on this website under patient resources. If you are on blood thinners or are diabetic, please make sure you are following instructions very carefully. Failure to do so may lead to the procedure being re-scheduled. Most procedures do require a driver (any adult) for safety even if you are not receiving sedation. Each patient has their own comfortable private pre/post procedure waiting room or exam room. This is where your possessions will stay in a locked cabinet and your driver is free to stay in your private room waiting for you.

Which insurances do you take?

Please navigate to our Insurance and Payment section for full information.

What is your policy on pain medications/opioids?

We do not prescribe long term opioid pain medications. If you have a significant flare of pain or have a procedure, we will provide a short course of opioid medication when appropriate. We will also discuss other non-opioid medication and treatment options.

Is there a guarantee that I will improve with treatment?

We cannot provide guarantees and it is common for patients to have an individual response. We strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient. However, the human body is complex, and each patient and situation are different. We will do our best to set realistic expectations for pain improvement, improvement time frame, and risks and benefits prior to a procedure or treatment.

What is your attendance policy?

PNW Spine and Joint Physicians is committed to providing prompt medical care to all our patients. We understand that situations arise in which patients must cancel their appointments. It is required that patients who must cancel their appointments provide a minimum of 24-hour notice except in case of emergency. Any cancellation within 24 hours will be considered a “late cancel.” All patients who late cancel or no show will be charged a $75.00 fee. After a second late cancel or no show, the patient will be charged an additional $75.00, and we will require a credit card be placed on file in order to re-schedule. After a third no show the patient will be terminated (see patient termination above) and will not be allowed to re-schedule. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late for a visit check-in time, you may need to be rescheduled to another day. If able, you may be offered to wait until the next same day slot is available. This policy is in place to ensure that other patients who do arrive on time are seen in a timely manner, and that the clinic can continue to run on time whenever possible.

What is your financial and payment collection policy?

All patients are required to sign the financial policy and consent to collect payment during the first visit as below:

I understand and agree that all health, auto, and worker’s compensation insurance coverage is an agreement between the insurance carrier and myself. I understand PNW Spine and Joint Physicians will prepare reports/forms and bill any accepted insurance company on my behalf. I understand a list of accepted insurances is available at www.pnwspineandjoint.com. I understand any payment from the insurance company will be paid directly to PNW Spine and Joint Physicians. I understand that patients cannot submit claims to Medicare, Managed Medicare, or Medicaid for reimbursement. If available, submitting to my health insurance company for out of network benefits is my personal responsibility. If insurance coverage is not available or a claim is denied, I understand that any balance is my personal responsibility. I understand that if my care is a result of a motor vehicle collision, and I have retained an attorney, I authorize my attorney to pay any remaining balance due to PNW Spine and Joint Physicians at the time of potential case settlement before I receive full and final payment. Additionally, I understand that PNW Spine and Joint reserves the right to formally file a lien through the appropriate local county recorder against my motor vehicle claim.