What to Expect at Your First Visit
Preparing for your consultation with Dr. Rastegar
Before Your Appointment
What to Bring:
- Photo ID and insurance card
- List of current medications (or bring the bottles)
- All imaging studies (MRI, CT, X-rays) - bring the actual CD/disc, not just reports
- Medical records from other doctors who have treated your spine condition
- Any previous surgical reports if you've had spine surgery
- List of questions you want to ask
Arrive 15 Minutes Early
This allows time for paperwork completion. You can complete forms online before your visit to save time.
During Your Appointment
1. History Discussion (15-20 minutes)
Dr. Rastegar will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, previous treatments you've tried, and how pain affects your daily life. Be specific and honest—this information guides diagnosis and treatment.
2. Physical Examination (10-15 minutes)
Dr. Rastegar will examine your spine, check your range of motion, test your strength and reflexes, and perform specific tests to identify the source of pain. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your back/neck.
3. Imaging Review (10 minutes)
Dr. Rastegar will review your MRI and other imaging with you, explaining what the images show in plain language. He'll show you on the images what may be causing your symptoms.
4. Diagnosis & Treatment Discussion (15-20 minutes)
You'll receive a clear diagnosis and explanation of your condition. Dr. Rastegar will discuss all treatment options—both non-surgical and surgical—with their risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. No pressure to make immediate decisions.
Total appointment time: Plan for 60-75 minutes
Questions to Ask
Consider asking:
- What exactly is causing my pain?
- What are all my treatment options?
- What happens if I don't have surgery?
- What are the risks and benefits of surgery?
- What is the recovery process like?
- When can I return to work/activities?
- What are realistic expectations for pain relief?
- Do I need additional testing?
- What should I do while deciding on treatment?
After Your Appointment
Next Steps May Include:
- Referral for physical therapy
- Additional imaging if needed
- Injection procedures for diagnosis or treatment
- Scheduling surgery if that's the chosen path
- Follow-up appointment to monitor progress
Take Your Time
Unless you have urgent neurological problems (severe weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control), you don't need to make immediate decisions. Many patients benefit from taking time to think about their options, get second opinions, and discuss with family.