You do not need to know your diagnosis before making an appointment. The aim of your first consultation is to understand your symptoms and work out what should happen next.
Before your visit
If possible, bring:
- A list of your medicines and allergies
- Any referral letter
- Reports from previous scans or tests
- A short note of your main questions
If you have had spinal imaging elsewhere, please contact us before your appointment so that the images can be requested for review.
You may receive an electronic form that will allow you to upload this information prior to your appointment. Any imaging will need to be requested at least 48 hours in advance to ensure it will be available for review during your appointment.
During your consultation
Professor Bateman will ask about your symptoms, general health and how the problem affects you. An examination may help. He will review available imaging and discuss what it does, and does not, show.
With your permission we will use an AI-powered medical transcription service called Heidi to record and produce notes for your consultation. If you prefer not to use this option, please let Professor Bateman or one of the team know your preference.
You may leave with a treatment plan, or further tests may be needed before the options can be discussed fully. An injection or operation is not normally performed on the day of the first consultation.
After your visit
You should understand the likely cause of your symptoms, any uncertainties, the next steps and what to do if your condition changes. You will receive a letter from Professor Bateman summarising the assessment and a copy will normally be sent to your GP unless you ask us not to.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an injection on the day of my appointment?
No, most of the injections offered will require image guidance in the operating theatre or treatment room and require pre-booking via a waiting list. Some types of injection can be performed in clinic, but it is often best to take 24 hours to think about your options before committing. You will normally be offered a follow-up appointment when the procedure can be performed.
Do I need a referral to see you?
No. Whilst it is often helpful to obtain a referral from your doctor or therapist, Professor Bateman understands that this can sometimes be difficult. He will still see you even if you do not have a referral.
What if my problem is not coming from my spine?
Sometimes pain or symptoms that seem to be from your spine may be from a different source. If that is the case, Professor Bateman may recommend you see a different specialist for your further investigation and treatment.