Virtual Spine Appointments
See a Spine Surgeon Without Leaving Home
Back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, or an abnormal MRI can leave you wondering what to do next.
A virtual spine appointment gives you the opportunity to speak directly with Domingo Molina IV, MD, FAAOS, from the convenience of your home.
Whether you have a new problem, want to review imaging, or simply aren't sure whether you need to see a spine surgeon in person, a virtual visit can be an easy first step.
Same-week virtual appointments may be available.
What Can We Discuss During a Virtual Visit?
Virtual spine appointments may be appropriate for many common spine concerns, including:
Low back pain
Neck pain
Sciatica
Leg pain or numbness
Cervical radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy
Disc herniations
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis
Questions about an MRI or CT scan
Persistent pain despite physical therapy or injections
Questions about whether surgery may be necessary
Spine surgery second opinions
Follow-up of an established spine condition
Not every spine problem can be completely evaluated through telemedicine. If an in-person neurological examination, X-rays, additional imaging, or other testing is needed, we will help arrange the appropriate next step.
Already Have an MRI?
If you've already had an MRI, CT scan, or other spine imaging, please let our office know when scheduling your appointment.
You can also upload your images below:
Whenever possible, having your imaging and radiology report available before your visit allows Dr. Molina to review your condition and have a more meaningful discussion with you.
During your appointment, you can discuss:
What your MRI findings actually mean
Whether the findings correlate with your symptoms
Whether additional testing is needed
Nonoperative treatment options
Injections or other interventional treatments
Whether surgery should even be considered
Different surgical options when surgery is appropriate
An abnormal MRI does not automatically mean you need surgery.
The goal is to understand both your imaging and your symptoms before determining the best treatment plan.
How a Virtual Spine Appointment Works
1. Schedule Your Visit
Contact our office.
2. Complete Your Information
You'll complete the usual medical history and provide information about your symptoms, previous treatments, and any imaging you've already had.
3. Meet With Dr. Molina
You'll connect by secure video from your home or another private location.
4. Discuss Your Options
After reviewing your history, symptoms, and available imaging, Dr. Molina will discuss potential next steps.
That may include continued conservative treatment, physical therapy, medications, additional imaging, an injection, an in-person examination, or surgical evaluation when appropriate.
Insurance
Virtual appointments are offered through Dr. Molina's medical practice and are billed through your health insurance when covered by your insurance plan.
Your normal copay, deductible, coinsurance, or other patient responsibility may apply.
Coverage for telemedicine varies by insurance company and individual health plan. Our office can help verify whether your insurance is accepted and whether a virtual spine appointment is covered under your plan.
Please contact the office if you have questions regarding insurance coverage before scheduling.
Why Start With a Virtual Spine Visit?
For many patients, seeing a spine surgeon traditionally means taking time away from work, arranging transportation, driving to an office, and waiting for an appointment—sometimes just to find out that surgery isn't necessary.
A virtual appointment may allow you to get specialist guidance sooner.
A virtual visit may be especially helpful if:
You're not sure whether your symptoms require a spine specialist.
You've been told you have a disc bulge or spinal stenosis and don't know what it means.
You've already tried treatment but aren't improving.
You want another opinion before having surgery.
You have an MRI and want a spine surgeon to review the findings.
You have difficulty traveling to the office.
You simply want to understand your options before deciding what to do next.
Do I Need Spine Surgery?
Most people who see a spine surgeon do not automatically need surgery.
Many spinal conditions can be treated with a combination of time, activity modification, physical therapy, medications, injections, and other nonsurgical treatments.
The purpose of your consultation is not to find a reason to operate.
It is to identify the source of your symptoms, determine whether anything concerning is occurring, and help you understand the most appropriate treatment options.
When surgery is appropriate, we'll discuss why it may help, what alternatives exist, and what you can realistically expect from treatment.
When Telemedicine Is Not Appropriate
A virtual appointment should not be used for a medical emergency.
Seek immediate medical evaluation or emergency care for symptoms such as:
New or rapidly progressive weakness
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Numbness in the saddle or groin region
Severe weakness following an injury
Significant trauma with concern for spinal fracture
Fever associated with severe spinal pain
Symptoms suggesting another medical emergency
Certain conditions also require an in-person neurological or musculoskeletal examination before treatment recommendations can be finalized.
Who Is Eligible for a Virtual Appointment?
Patients must generally be physically located in a state where Dr. Molina is authorized to provide medical care at the time of the telemedicine appointment.
Availability may therefore depend upon your location.
Please contact our office if you are unsure whether you are eligible for a virtual visit.
About Dr. Domingo Molina
Domingo Molina IV, MD, FAAOS is an orthopaedic spine surgeon specializing in the evaluation and treatment of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions.
His practice emphasizes identifying the true source of a patient's symptoms and using the least invasive treatment capable of addressing the problem.
Treatment options may range from physical therapy and injections to minimally invasive and endoscopic spine procedures, decompression, and spinal reconstruction when appropriate.
Have Questions About Your Back, Neck, or MRI?
You don't necessarily need to wait weeks—or even know whether you need surgery—to start getting answers.
A virtual spine appointment can help you better understand what's causing your symptoms and what you should do next.
[Schedule a Virtual Spine Appointment]
Prefer an In-Person Evaluation
Virtual appointments are subject to clinical appropriateness, physician availability, insurance coverage, and applicable state medical licensing requirements. Telemedicine does not replace emergency medical care. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical attention.
