Cornerstone Health Care

Welcome

Each member of the staff at Cornerstone Neurology looks forward to providing you and your family with comprehensive neurological care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Appointments

Cornerstone Neurology is open by appointment only.

Since certain complaints must be given priority, it is important that when you call for an appointment, you fully explain the nature of your problem. This will help us to schedule your appointment appropriately and see you as quickly as possible.

We ask that you advise us if you will be late or unable to make your appointment. This helps us maintain a timely schedule and is a courtesy to other patients. If you must cancel, we request at least 24 hours notice so that we may give your appointment to another patient.

To avoid any adverse drug interactions, please bring a listing of all the medications you are currently taking, even herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications, with you at the time of the visit.

Patient Services

Our staff is trained to answer many of your questions, and they consult with our doctors on your call. Our doctors review their messages throughout the day. For the quickest response, they may request that one of our clinical staff return your call. If the doctor needs to speak with you directly, they may call at lunch or after hours.

In addition, if you anticipate needing a refill on your medications, please tell your provider during your visit. Should you need a refill before returning to the office, please call your pharmacy and they will contact us for refill authorization. We will need a 24-hour notice on refills, and no medication refills will be done after office hours.

Medical Records

As a patient of Cornerstone Health Care, your medical record is electronically maintained through a secure system. Your medical record is accessible to you, and those members of your medical team who must refer to it to treat you. No other parties may access your medical record without your signed permission.

Services

Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Headache, including migraine
Neuromuscular disorders
Bell's palsy
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Epilepsy
Low back pain
Memory loss
Stroke
Transient ischemic attack
Sleep disorders
Restless leg syndrome
Sciatica
Trigeminal neuralgia
Tremor
Peripheral neuropathy

Neurological Tests

Our specialists perform a wide range of the most advanced diagnostic tests and provide the following information to familiarize you with these.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CT) and CT Angiography (CTA)

A CT scan is an x-ray procedure in which the area of interest is imaged in cross-sectional slices (like a loaf of bread). Important detailed information is obtained through a series of these "slices". Our CT lab is capable of performing scans of the head, sinuses, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities as well as a new procedure called CT angiography.

Preparation for a CT scan is relatively simple. If you physician orders a scan requiring x-ray contrast (iodine contrast), please follow these instructions:

Inform the technologist of any known allergies to IV contrast (x-ray dye).
If you take a diabetic medicine called "Glucophage" or "Glucovance", it is recommended that you discontinue for 48 hours after scanning with IV contrast.
We encourage fluid intake up until scan for hydration.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

An MRI scan produces very clear images of the human body or blood vessels without the use of x-rays. This is done with the use of a magnet, radio waves, antenna and a computer that produces these images. An average MRI scan takes about 5 to 15 minutes. A complete scan takes 20 to 60 minutes. Please inform the technologist if you have any of the following:

Claustrophobia
A pacemaker
A metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
Aneurysm clips
An artificial heart valve
An intrauterine device (IUD)
Ever been a metal worker
Ever been wounded during the military service
If you might be pregnant

Discomfort or injury may occur if metallic items within your body are placed within the magnetic field. This may exclude you from having the MRI done. No special preparation is needed, although you may be asked to remove your street clothes and wear a special non-static gown. You will also need to leave jewelry, watches and credit cards outside the MRI scan room because they may be damaged by the magnetic field.

Please do not wear:

Hairspray
Makeup
A hearing aid
Eyeglasses
Jewelry
Any removable dental work

Neuro-Diagnostic Lab

NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity)
EMG (Electromyogram)
JOLLY (Repetitive Stimulation)

Allow 1 to 1-1/2 hours for the study.
Do not apply lotions or oils to your arms or legs.
Take medications as normal unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Eat as you normally would.

EEG (Electroencephalogram/Brain Wave Study)

Allow 1 to 1-1/2 hours for the study.
Hair should be clean, dry, with no hair products.
Eat as you normally would.
Bring a list of your medications.
If sleep-deprived EEG, go to bed at 12 Midnight and get up at 3:00 a.m.
Eat a good breakfast. No caffeine.
Bring a driver.

AEEG (Ambulatory EEG)

Allow 1 to 2 hours for hookup of the test.
Hair should be clean, dry, with no hair products.
Eat as you normally would.
Please wear a button-down shirt for easy removal.
This is a 24-hour study. You wear it home and return the next day.

MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test)

Allow 8 hours for each test.
Hair should be clean, dry with no hair products.
Wear comfortable clothes.
Bring magazines, videos, hobbies to keep you busy between naps.
Take medications as normal unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

VEP (Visual Evoked Potential)
BEP (Brainstem Evoked Potential)

Allow 1 hour for each test.
Hair should be clean, dry, with no hair products.
If you wear contacts, glasses or hearing aids, bring these with you.
Take medications as normal unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

SEP (Somotosensory Evoked Potential)

Allow 1 to 3 hours for this test.
Follow instructions for EEG and EMG/NCV's.
Follow any instructions that your physician may have given you. If you are being sedated for this study, please make sure you are driven to and from our office for this test.

Please feel free to call our office at 336 802-2080 if you have any questions.

Fees and Insurance

Our office is a participating provider for most insurance plans. Please be sure to bring your insurance card with you for each visit. Your "copay" and portion of the bill not covered by your health insurance are expected to be paid at the time of service.

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It is the responsibility of you and your insurance company to pay your medical bills. As a courtesy to our patients, we will file claims to your insurance company and provide them information to determine benefits. Your insurance deductible must be met and paid for at the beginning of each year before your insurance coverage will come into effect.

If you have a question concerning billing, please call Cornerstone Financial Services at 336 802-2000.

We Value Our Patients

We truly enjoy what we do and appreciate our relationships with our patients. We take pride in our practice and our neurological specialty. We welcome any thoughts, concerns or suggestions to help improve our practice.