Spine Surgery Care Team

It takes many people to make a hospital run smoothly. Your health care team will work together to make your hospital stay a positive experience. Each staff member is committed to making your stay comfortable and successful. Please feel free to ask questions and share concerns with any member of your health care team. The following is a list of some staff members who will provide your hospital care:

Attending Physician. This is your surgeon who will be primarily responsible for your care during your hospital stay. He will work in conjunction with fellows, residents, physician assistants (PA) and nurse practitioners (NP) to provide comprehensive care.

• Fellows. Doctors who have completed residency training in orthopaedic surgery and are specializing in joint replacement surgery.
• Residents. Doctors in their second through fifth year of specialized training in orthopaedic surgery.
• Physician's Assistant. A clinician with specialized training who may assist your surgeon in the operating room and during your hospital stay.
• Nurse Practitioner. A nurse with advanced training who may assist your surgeon in the operating room, during your hospital stay and follow-up appointment.

Anesthesiologist. A medical doctor with advanced training in anesthesiology.

• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). A nurse with advanced training who administers anesthetics under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
• Hospitalist. A medical doctor who may see you at the request of your surgeon.

Nursing Staff. A registered nurse (RN) will care for you throughout your hospital stay. Your nurse will make sure you receive the appropriate medications, any medical treatments and tests ordered by your physicians. Your nurse will also provide information and education to prepare you for discharge. A nurse is always available to answer questions or to discuss concerns you or your family may have. The name of the nurse caring for you on each shift will be available at the nurses' station or listed on a board in your room.

• Patient Care Assistant (PCA). The patient care assistant will assist your nurse in providing your daily care. He or she may help with bathing, taking vital signs or transporting you to and from tests.

Case Management Team

• Case Manager. This is a nurse who may assist with your discharge planning. These staff members are familiar with resources in your community and can help arrange home care, or if necessary, help you select an appropriate extended care facility. He or she can also help with any questions or problems about your medical insurance or financial issues during your hospital stay.
• Social Worker. A social worker is always available to discuss any concerns that you or your family may have about coping with your hospitalization. He or she may also assist with arranging home care or placement in an extended-care facility. 

Rehabilitation Staff. These staff members have a very important role in helping you recover from your spine surgery.

• Physical Therapist (PT). A PT will work with you to get you moving around safely.
• Occupational Therapist (OT). An OT will help you resume activities of daily living, including grooming, bathing, hygiene and dressing.
• Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA). A PTA may assist your physical therapist in exercises and mobility training.

Other Hospital Staff. Housekeepers, dietary workers, radiology technicians, chaplains, pharmacists, transporters and other staff members are all part of your health care team.

To learn more about spine surgery or make an appointment, please contact the Spine Center at 617-243-5777.