Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Sentient?

A: Sentient is one of the nation's largest provider of neurointraoperative monitoring.  Sentient is staffed by extensively trained surgical neurophysiologists with various medical and biological degrees from the bachelor’s degree to Ph.D./M.D. levels.  The surgical neurophysiologists have a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field of neurointraoperative monitoring. 

Providing continuous neurological consultative supervision is a staff of full time consulting neurologists who are genrally board certified and have subsecitaly tfellowship training in Clincial Neurophsyiology.

Q: What is Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) and why do we use it?

A: IONM is the application of various tests to monitor the neural structures that are at risk during your surgery (e.g., spinal cord, brain) to reduce the risk of negative outcomes such as paralysis or stroke.  IONM helps protect the integrity of your neural structures during your surgery and in doing so, it is an additional layer of safety for you and your surgeon.

Q: What happens the day of my surgery?

A: Prior to your surgery, a Sentient surgical neurophysiologist will meet you, perform a brief neurologic evaluation, discuss what they will do, and prepare you for the operating room.  Once you are in the operating room and asleep, probes will be placed at specific points on your body that transmit information to our surgical neurophysiologist who carefully watches this information on a monitor throughout the procedure.

Q: What role does the IONM surgical neurophysiologist play during my surgery?

A: Typically, electrodes are attached to your wrists, ankles, head, and if necessary, specific muscle groups.  As the surgical neurophysiologist is monitoring the information received from the electrodes, s/he will immediately alert the surgeon of any significant changes so that the surgeon may initiate appropriate intervention strategies.

Q: Who requested IONM for my surgery?

A: Your surgeon has requested that a Sentient surgical neurophysiologist be present during your surgery to provide additional safety for you and your surgeon.

Q: What are the risks of IONM?

A: The risks of IONM are minimal.  There is a remote chance of infection from the electrodes.  There remains the possibility that you will have neurological deficits as a result of your surgery despite having IONM.  Consult your surgeon to discuss the risks of surgery.

Q: Who pays for IONM?

A: Your insurance carrier may pay for a portion of the costs associated with IONM.  This amount depends on your specific carrier and your plan.  You may be responsible for payment of the difference.

Q: Who should I contact if I have more questions?

A: Please feel free to call Sentient at 888-481-9185 or write us at inquiries@sentientmedical.com .

 

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