George Frey, M.D.

Have you ever experienced a doctor's visit like this one?

You arrive at the doctor's office, worried about your medical problem. Is it serious? Can it be treated? Will you be able to return to work soon?

You're ushered into a small examination room, and told to put on an ill-fitting gown. Then you sit alone and wait.and wait.

When the doctor finally enters, he hastily examines you (with little regard for your dignity), asks rapid-fire questions, runs unexplained tests, and then tells you to get dressed. He comes back into the room a few minutes later to briefly tell you his diagnosis and how you'll be treated. He then rushes on to his next patient.

Soon you are back in your car driving home, but something doesn't feel right. You still don't fully understand your medical problem or the treatment plan. Besides, you're not sure why you should trust the doctor in the first place. You've become a spectator in your own treatment process.

At CCSI we believe that the successful treatment of spinal problems depends on:

1. An Integrated Team Approach

Spinal problems are among the most complex in all of medicine. This is why at CCSI we have assembled a team of experts from many specialties to treat patients with spine conditions. By training and experience, I am an orthopaedic surgeon with additional fellowship training in complex spinal surgery. However, our team includes specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, physiatry, pain medicine, rehabilitative medicine, chiropractic medicine, physical therapy, pharamacology, massage therapy, acupuncture and nutrition. By "pooling" our expertise and working directly together, we can develop the best treatment and recovery plan for each of our patients.

2. Patients At The Center

While medical experts are important to ensure successful treatment, they are not the center of the process. You, the patient, are the central figure!

At CCSI we are committed to intimately involving each patient in all aspects of his or her treatment. Our role as physicians is not only to provide excellent care, but also to enable our patients to make well-informed and confident decisions about their treatment.

The starting point is our team's belief that each patient must be treated individually, with dignity, respect and privacy. We then invest a large amount of time in patient education. At CCSI we will utilize a wide range of resources to explain your condition and treatment options. These resources might include 3D models, videos, or computer presentations. Whether you prefer a simple explanation or a detailed analysis, we'll tailor the information to meet your needs, because we want you to be a knowledgeable and active participant in your care. As you learn more about your condition, you will be better able to make decisions about your treatment and your long-term recovery plan. It is our belief at CCSI that such knowledge empowers the patient to achieve their optimal outcome.

3. Non-Operative Treatment is Key

At CCSI, surgery is always the last resort. Our team includes numerous experts trained in non-operative spine care. We can often avoid or postpone surgery by using treatments that integrate pain management, chiropractic care, rehabilitative care, massage therapy, and physical therapy, as well as other treatments.

4. Advanced Surgical Techniques

If surgery is necessary, CCSI is one of the most advanced spine surgical centers in the United States. Our surgical team utilizes the latest proven technology to treat patients. Whenever possible, we use minimal access techniques that lead to smaller scars and faster patient recovery.

CCSI is at the forefront of development for new spine surgery technologies and techniques. Our center is involved with numerous international research and development projects. However, because of our "patient focus" no new surgical technique is ever introduced at CSSI until we are convinced of its safety and effectiveness.

5. Pain Must Be Controlled

We know that pain can effectively destroy a life, and that the first concern for most of our patients is the pain associated with their conditions and their treatments. We are regularly asked such questions as: After surgery will the pain be bearable? Will I ever be free of this constant back pain? Might I get addicted to pain medications?

We take pain management very seriously. Our multi-specialty team is well equipped to minimize the pain our patients encounter. Our commitment is two-fold: with your cooperation and commitment, we will get your pain under control, and work to avoid addiction problems.

6. Healthy Lifestyles!

At CCSI we want to restore your back and neck to health, and then help you stay healthy! Our staff spends time with all of our patients helping them to implement lifestyle changes to benefit their spines. The combination of a healthy diet, a customized exercise program, and a nicotine-free lifestyle helps many patients to become our former patients!

I hope this overview helps you understand the philosophy of high-quality patient care at CCSI. Our diverse team of experts will partner with you to achieve the mutual goal of a healthier back!