 A
Note To My Patients:
I am truly committed to provide all of my patients with
the best possible care using the most advanced techniques
in spine surgery. Under the tutelage of orthopedic and
neurosurgeons at the Mayo clinic, my decisions regarding
your care are rooted in evidence based medicine. Through
this conservative approach, my goal is to help my patients
understand their diagnosis, discuss alternatives to
surgery, and, if necessary, assist them with their surgical
needs only after all conservative treatments have failed.
Most back and neck problems do not require surgery,
but some conditions can benefit enormously with a simple
surgical procedure. Some are even done on an outpatient
bases. My hope is to aid you in your care so that you
can get back to doing the things you love such as walking,
returning to work, playing with your grandchildren,
or just living without arm or leg pain.
In conjunction with the Back and Neck Center at Coordinated
Health, we hope to be able to help all patients with
their medical needs.
Please use the educational tools on this website to
facilitate your understanding of your condition and
the surgeries that may be beneficial to your recovery.
Sincerely,
Christopher F. Wagener, M.D.
Spine
Center Staff
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Christopher
Wagener, M.D.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University
of California, Dr. Wagener received a Master of
Science in Physiology and Biophysics. Graduating
with highest distinction, he went on to earn his
Doctorate, also with honors, from Georgetown University,
School of Medicine.
Thereafter, he completed his residency at Georgetown
in Orthopedic Surgery. He most recently completed
his fellowship in Spine Surgery at the Mayo Clinic
in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Wagener’s medical
training includes a wide variety of research projects,
academic presentations and a background in teaching.
Dr. Wagener’s professional interests include
complex surgical reconstruction of the cervical
and lumbar spine for degenerative, congenital,
traumatic and tumor based conditions. His training
includes a full breadth both orthopedic and neurosurgical
spine techniques including microsurgery, instrumented
fusions, and the emerging technology involving
motion preservation ( X-Stop®, Cervical Disc
Replacement, Vertbroplasty/Kyphoplasty).
His personal expertise is the perfect complement
to the sophisticated medical community in the
Lehigh Valley.
His personal interests include traveling, snowboarding,
fly fishing and cross training.
For more information: http://www.esurgeon.com/wagener/
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Elaine
Polaski, R.N.
Elaine is a native of the Lehigh Valley area. After
graduating from Allentown Central Catholic, she
went on to become a registered nurse at St. Luke's
Hospital School of Nursing, graduating Summa Cum
Laude. She has worked in the Lehigh Valley in the
field of spine surgery for the last 15 years.
Elaine is the acting director of the Medical Careers
Institue at Coordinated Health with duties including
teaching, policy development, and competancy screening.
She is currently working on her Master's degree
in nursing administration.She lives with her husband
of 17 years and her three children Joseph (13),
Rebecca (11), and Katherine (6).
Her personal interests include boating, spending
time with her family, and watching her beloved Philadelphia
Eagles.
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Hospital
Affiliations
Lehigh Valley, Muhlenberg Hospital, St. Luke's
- Bethlehem, Coordinated Health
During your initial visit you will be seen by our staff
who will ask you about your medical history and your
symptoms. A focused neurological examination will then
be made by your doctor.
Emergencies
If
you have an emergency after normal office hours, you
will be directed to go to the nearest hospital emergency
room where you will be evaluated by the emergency room
physician. They will be in direct contact with your
doctor or the on-call doctor from our office.
The
Patients Role
Understanding
Your Responsibilities
You
are the only one who can decide which treatment is best
for you. It is important that you recognize that you
have a responsibility to participate in, and take ownership
of, any decisions involving your health care. You will
be asked to make the final decision about what is best
for you, so ask questions about anything you do not
understand.
Your
family and close friends are an important part of the
collaborative process. We encourage you to include them
in any education sessions we provide concerning your condition.
If you choose to have surgery, we will make every effort
to keep family members informed of your progress and to
involve them in your recovery process.
Deciding which treatment option is best for you involves
weighing the risks and benefits associated with each option.
If you eventually choose to have surgery, your physical
condition and your mental attitude will determine your
body's ability to heal. You must approach your surgery
with confidence, a positive mental attitude and a thorough
understanding of the anticipated outcome. You should have
realistic goals — and be willing to work steadily
to achieve those goals.
Outcomes
Today's Health Care Environment is focused on providing
high quality/cost effective care. In order to determine
the most effective means of treatment, the results of
treatment methods must be tracked and compared. Several
factors must be considered if the health care delivery
system is to find the proper balance between the high
level of quality health care Americans have long enjoyed
and the cost effectiveness that they desire. Outcome
Assessment Studies allow for the tracking, analysis
and comparison of various treatment methods and for
the evaluation of new technologies.
These
studies evaluate:
* Costs - All related cost factors
(hospitalization, rehab, time away from work, etc.)
* Patient Health Status - Patient's
perception of their health.
* Patient Satisfaction - Patient's
satisfaction with the care as compared to their expectations.
* Clinical Results - Physician's report
of health based on clinical evaluations
The data derived from
outcomes assessment systems are useful for many reasons:
* Physicians use outcomes assessment
data to determine the most effective methods of treatment
for various conditions.
* This information is also used to educate patients,
like yourself, as to the results that are commonly expected
from different methods of care and to assist patients
in making more informed decisions (with their families,
physicians, etc.) about the best means of treatment
for themselves.
* Insurance companies look to this
information to determine which treatment methods will
be covered within their health care plans.
During the course of your treatment you may be asked
to participate in an Outcomes Assessment Study. Your
participation in a study will help provide the information
required to continually improve treatment methods and
ultimately, the entire health care system. If requested,
your participation will be greatly appreciated.
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