Patient Portal & Resources
Use our secure portal to complete all onboarding before your visit. It’s faster, paperless, and helps us focus your time on care.
How portal-based onboarding works
Choose your visit type; our team reviews your request.
You’ll receive a message with access to the DrChrono patient portal.
Fill out all forms electronically before your visit—no printing required.
- New Patient Intake
- Telehealth Consent
- HIPAA Notification & Privacy Policy
- Drug Consent Form — NCN does not manage pain beyond six weeks. The form outlines a medication taper plan; if pain management is still required, we initiate referral by week four.
All forms are signed electronically in the portal. If you need assistance, call our office.
Use the button above to open the portal, or contact us and we’ll resend your secure link.
Patient Resources
Helpful info at a glance.
Appointments
- Second opinions (in-person & telehealth)
- New & follow-up visits
- Pre-op & post-op care
Insurance & Cash-Pay
- We work with multiple plans; approvals vary by policy.
- Cash-pay options available; we can provide superbills for reimbursement.
- See Insurance page for current plans and second-opinion details.
Navigation: We recommend adding a “Patient Portal” link to your main site navigation and the Patient Resources page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about our approach, what to expect, and how we can help.
Why should I see a neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons are highly trained in brain, spine, and nerve care. Although “surgery” is in the name, never fear—we begin by helping you understand your condition, create a nonsurgical plan whenever possible, and use surgery only as a last resort.
If I’m being sent to a neurosurgeon, does that mean I need surgery?
No. Our primary objective is to understand your condition and the reasons for your symptoms, then guide you toward a symptom-free life—or at least meaningful improvement. Often this can be achieved without surgery.
What types of conditions do you treat?
Brain: facial pain, headaches, cerebrospinal fluid disorders (too little/too much flow), vision changes, pituitary and brain tumors, endocrine abnormalities, and certain congenital malformations.
Spine: herniated discs, nerve pain, tumors and cysts in bone or around/within the spinal cord, spinal stenosis (narrowing around the nerves), and spinal deformities.
Can you help me avoid surgery?
Yes—especially at North County Neurosurgery. We partner with both traditional and non-traditional, evidence-based practitioners to build a regimen that works for you. Sometimes surgery is still the best option; if so, we’ll decide together and favor the most minimally invasive approach possible. When appropriate, we’ll refer you to a collaborating neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon with the exact expertise you need.
What happens at the first appointment?
We get to know you, your goals, and what’s getting in the way. We may order labs or imaging and see you back to review results and build a holistic plan. Our aim is that you leave the first and second visits with increasing clarity and confidence in your care plan.
How do I request a second opinion from you?
Contact our office to request a second-opinion consultation. We’ll review your records and scans to provide a fresh, independent perspective—without pressure toward surgery. If after seeing us you’d like another opinion, we’re happy to recommend excellent neurosurgeons in the community.
What if I’ve already been told I need surgery?
That’s an ideal time to seek a second opinion. We may identify alternatives that delay or eliminate surgery—or confirm that surgery is the right choice and help you move forward with confidence.
Do you really have a holistic or integrative approach?
Yes. We’re grounded in evidence-based neurosurgery and consider the whole person. Depending on your needs, we may recommend adjunctive care like acupuncture, targeted nutrition, stress reduction, or physical reconditioning. We’re continually learning and exploring new methodologies.
What makes you different from other neurosurgeons?
Our goal is that you feel seen, heard, and understood as a whole human—not just data points, labs, and images. We focus on the least-invasive path that gets you back to living the life you envision.
I heard you offer a concierge neurosurgery service. What does this mean?
With our concierge option, you can elect to pay a fee for: (1) a call back from the physician team—usually the treating physician—within 24 hours, and (2) an appointment within ~1 week when appropriate. While modern practices can be busy, concierge access helps expedite guidance and scheduling. Either way, we strive to care for every patient as we would our own family.