Frequently asked questions
The questions patients ask us most, answered without the medical jargon.
How do I request a consultation?
Call (801) 346-7788 or visit our consultation page. Our scheduling team will confirm appointment availability.
Will I see Dr. Huntsman or a PA first?
Your first visit may begin with one of our experienced spine PAs, who works directly with Dr. Huntsman to review your symptoms, imaging, and history. If surgery or advanced treatment is the right next step, you'll meet with Dr. Huntsman to walk through his recommendation.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance. Some plans, especially HMOs and certain Medicare Advantage plans, require a referral from your primary care provider before a specialist visit. Contact your insurance carrier directly to confirm your plan's referral requirements before your visit. Our team can help with questions about preparing for your appointment.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and can help verify your benefits and network status before your visit. We also recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly to confirm that Huntsman Spinal Clinic and your provider are in-network with your specific plan.
What conditions do you treat?
Our guides cover neck conditions, back conditions, and spine injuries and deformity. They include disc and joint problems, nerve-related symptoms, spinal fractures, and changes in alignment. The Advanced Treatments directory explains the procedures available to discuss with your team.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Any prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray) on a disc or USB if possible, a list of your medications, your insurance card and ID, and a short list of treatments you've already tried.
Will I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many patients come in for a clear answer on whether surgery is the right next step. When it is, we explain exactly what we'd recommend and why. When it isn't, we'll tell you that too.
How is a treatment plan developed?
Evaluation may include your medical history, a physical examination, and imaging. A treatment plan is tailored to your condition and needs.
Where does Dr. Huntsman operate?
Dr. Huntsman operates at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Contact the care team for information about your procedure.
How do I prepare for spine surgery?
Every patient gets a pre-op packet covering medication changes, fasting instructions, what to bring, and what to expect on surgery day. A member of our team calls you the day before to answer any last questions.
What does postoperative care include?
Care may include physical therapy, rehabilitation, and follow-up appointments. The procedure pages include postoperative videos with Chase.
Looking for a starting point? Explore spine conditions or browse advanced treatments.
Explore our patient guides.
Practical, source-backed explanations of symptoms, imaging, treatment choices, and recovery.
- Do I need an MRI or CT scan for back pain?
- Is it sciatica or ordinary back pain?
- Does a herniated disc always need surgery?
- Why can spinal stenosis make standing and walking difficult?
- Can a neck problem cause arm numbness or balance changes?
- Disc replacement or spinal fusion: how is the choice made?
- What does minimally invasive spine surgery actually mean?
- What nonsurgical options can help with back pain?
- Should I get a second opinion before spine surgery?
- How long does recovery from spine surgery take?
Have a question we didn't answer?
Contact our team to discuss your questions and request a consultation.