Patient resources

Providing clarity in times of complexity

We understand that navigating through health care options can be a challenge, even in the best of circumstances. It is our goal to provide all patients with exceptional care, and that includes taking uncertainty out of the process as much as possible.

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Insurance

At the Department of Neurosurgery, we recognize that insurance is a critical concern for patients. That’s why we have an insurance specialist on staff, who can help you investigate your insurance coverage.

 

We encourage you to contact us to speak with our neurosurgery insurance specialist for assistance.

 

Some things to keep in mind:

 

If you are diagnosed with a condition for which no specialist belongs to your policy’s network, you may be eligible for in-network benefits even if your surgeon doesn’t belong to the network.

 

Out-of-network care may be more affordable than you realize. Even if your surgeon is not a member of your insurance network, you are likely eligible for significant coverage through your plan’s out-of-network benefits.

 

Insurance companies may require prior authorization for some services. As a service to you, our insurance specialist coordinates with your surgeon to secure and process any necessary pre-authorizations.

 

Payment plans are available for patients who need help managing costs.

 

Our neurosurgery insurance specialist can help you navigate through the details and determine your options.

 

Network participation

One or more of our surgeons participate in the following health insurance networks. For specific product names within the health network, please call our office. If yours is not listed, you may still be eligible for significant coverage. Contact us to reach our insurance specialist and learn more.

Aetna
Affinity
Amida Care
Cigna
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HealthPlus
Fidelis Care
Healthfirst
Medicare
Oxford Health

United Healthcare
VNSNY Choice
Wellcare

International Patients

Our physicians in the Department of Neurosurgery welcome international patients who wish to see them for a consultation or treatment. All international appointments with our physicians may be coordinated through Global Services at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

 

Contact Global Services:
Tel: (212) 746-9100 (1-888-728-7945 toll-free in the U.S.)
Email: Globalservices@Nyp.Org
Website: https://www.nyp.org/globalservices

 

To learn more about each of our physicians, please click here.

FAQ. General questions

What is a neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, the spine and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves. Our neurosurgeons each have further specialization within the field, ensuring that you receive the most individualized care for your unique needs.

Is neurosurgery right for me?

Here at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery, the decision as to whether or not to perform surgery is made on a patient-by-patient basis. Our surgeons take into account many factors when determining if surgery is necessary for a patient, such as age, symptoms, their level of function, and risks. Our surgeons will often consult with physicians in other disciplines to make the most informed decision possible. Our treatment philosophy is essentially conservative, meaning that we will exhaust all other options before surgery, and often recommended treatments may be minimally invasive or completely noninvasive, depending on the condition. Our surgeons work with each individual patient to make sure that they fully understand their condition, their treatment options, and the decisions at hand. We understand that these decisions can be difficult, but our patients can take comfort in knowing that our physicians are among the best in the world and they have skills and expertise that informs their recommendations.

What makes Columbia Neurosurgery different?

Columbia University Medical Center’s Department of Neurosurgery is one of the top neurosurgery departments in the country, with over 20 highly subspecialized neurosurgeons. Our high level of specialization means that you will receive the most individualized care possible. For more information please see our Why Choose Us page.

How do I choose a doctor?

If you have not been referred to a specific doctor, you may not know which one to request an appointment with. Each of our surgeons is highly experienced and board certified, but if you’re unsure, you can call our office directly at (212) 305-1728 and speak to an experienced staff member, who will direct you to an appropriate doctor based on your condition and specific needs.

How do I make an appointment?
You may request an appointment by filling out the request an appointment form online or by calling our office directly at (212) 305-1728.
Do I need recent imaging for my appointment?

Yes, your most recent image(s) must have been completed within the last six months. If the scan is older than six months, please have your primary or referring physician repeat the image study. Without this information, we may not be able to provide a thorough evaluation that best serves your needs.

Can the doctor evaluate my condition by reviewing my medical information and without seeing me in the office?

A preliminary assessment regarding your condition is often possible through a review of your history, symptoms, and reports from recent imaging (MRI, CT scan). This information can be forwarded to Dr. Sisti for review. However, a personalized treatment plan, especially one that might include surgery, usually requires an in-depth evaluation, examination, and discussion that is most accurately and comprehensively performed as part of an in-person consultation in Dr. Sisti’s office and examination room.

How do I get to the office?

Our office is located at 710 West 168th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10032. There are public transportation and driving options. For information on directions and to view maps, please visit our “Contact” page.

Is there parking at the hospital?

Parking in the CUMC campus area is a scarce resource. For detailed parking information, please visit our “Contact” page.

FAQ. Insurance questions

Will insurance cover my visit?

Columbia Neurosurgery is a provider for numerous insurance plans. For the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please contact your insurance provider directly and request specific information regarding coverage for your treatment.

What does it mean to be out-of-network?

Out-of-network means that Dr. Sisti is not contracted with your insurance company. Some insurance companies policies pay some of the fees. You need to contact your insurance company for clarification as to what they cover.

Is a co-pay due at my first visit?

If your insurance policy requires you to make a co-payment for office visits with specialists, payment will be required at the time of service.

What is Columbia Neurosurgery’s payment policy?

We accept all major credit and debit cards. We currently do not accept cash or check payments.

Download Forms.
New patient intake forms

Accountable Care Organization form   
Non-participating Disclosure & Consent form (English)   
Non-participating Disclosure & Consent form (Spanish)   
New York State Out-of-Network Surprise Medical Bill Assignment of Benefits form   
Patient Medical History form   
Authorization for Release of Health Information   

Insurance Participation

Have a question?

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