Patient Resources
Everything you need to feel informed, prepared, and supported
Preparing for Your Visit
How to get the most out of your consult
To make your visit as helpful as possible:
- Write down your symptoms
- Note what makes pain better or worse
- Gather imaging and reports
- List previous treatments
- Prepare questions
Helpful questions to ask:
- What is causing my pain?
- What are my treatment options?
- What happens if I do nothing?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- How will this affect my future mobility?
What to Expect at Your First Consultation
Your first visit at Spine Motion Specialists is designed to be unhurried, thorough, and entirely focused on you. This is not a quick appointment. You will spend 60 to 90 minutes one-on-one with Dr. Hodges.
You will also receive access to a secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal to complete forms, upload imaging, and view your records and visit details at any time.
Step 1
Motion-Preserving Focus
Your visit begins with a conversation. Dr. Hodges will take time to understand:
- What brought you in
- Where your pain is located
- How long you have been dealing with it
- What makes it better or worse
- How it affects your daily life
- Your personal goals for treatment
This is your opportunity to share your story and what matters most to you. There is no rushing and no interruptions.
Step 2
Comprehensive Physical Examination
Next, Dr. Hodges will perform a full physical examination to evaluate:
- Strength
- Sensation
- Range of motion
- Neurologic function
- Movement patterns
This hands-on assessment helps connect your symptoms with what is happening in your body.
Step 3
Detailed Imaging Review
You and Dr. Hodges will then review your imaging together in detail. He will:
- Walk you through your MRI or CT scan
- Explain what is happening in your spine
- Show you where nerves may be affected
- Answer questions in clear, simple terms
You will finally understand what you are seeing and what it means for your health.
Step 4
Building Your Personalized Plan
This first visit is the foundation of your care. With a full understanding of your condition and goals, Dr. Hodges will:
-
- Review all treatment options
- Discuss risks and benefits
- Explore motion preserving approaches
- Answer every question you have
- Help you make a confident decision
Your plan is tailored specifically to you, your lifestyle, and your future.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
We provide easy-to-understand resources on common spine conditions, including:
Motion Preservation vs Spinal Fusion
Why motion matters
Many patients are told spinal fusion is their only option. While fusion can be appropriate in some cases, it permanently removes motion at a spinal segment.
Motion preserving procedures aim to:
- Maintain natural movement
- Protect surrounding spinal levels
- Support long-term function
- Reduce stiffness
Our philosophy is simple
Preserve Motion Whenever Possible.
Motion-Preserving Treatments
Learn more about all the different motion preserving treatment options offered at Spine Motion Specialists
We believe
Informed Patients Make Better Decisions
Insurance and Payment
Spine Motion Specialists is a concierge practice and does not participate in insurance networks. This model allows Dr. Hodges to spend the time your care truly deserves, including extended consultations, in-depth imaging review, and direct one-on-one attention throughout your treatment journey.
By remaining out of network, we are able to provide a level of care that is not limited by insurance visit restrictions. This ensures every patient receives personalized, thoughtful, and unhurried care.
Consultation Fee
The initial consultation fee is $600 and includes
A 60 to 90 minute one-on-one visit with Dr. Hodges
Comprehensive physical examination
Detailed review of your imaging
Discussion of all appropriate treatment options
Personalized care planning
If surgery is recommended and you choose to move forward, your consultation fee will be applied toward the total cost of your procedure. Our team will also assist with coordinating hospital insurance pre-authorization.
Out-Of-Network Reimbursement
While we do not bill insurance directly, our patient concierge team is happy to support you with:
Detailed itemized receipts
Procedure and diagnosis codes
Documentation required by your insurance carrier
This allows you to submit a claim independently to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement, based on your individual plan benefits. Coverage and reimbursement amounts vary by carrier and policy, and we encourage you to contact your insurance provider for specific details.
HSA and FSA
In many cases, patients are able to use HSA or FSA funds toward their consultation and treatment costs. Our team can help answer questions regarding payment options.
Patient Testimonials
Real experiences from real patients
Dr Hodges has done spinal surgery on 3 members of my family w excellent results. I went to see him for that reason. He was attentive & explained my back problem and gave me a treatment plan. He answered all of my questions & explained his treatment plan for me.
– Helen S.
Patient Testimonials
Real experiences from real patients
I’ve known Dr. Hodges for a long time and there was no one else I even considered when I needed an evaluation of my neck and back. He is always attentive and is genuinely concerned about his patient.
– Bill M.
Patient Testimonials
Real experiences from real patients
I had an incredible consult with Dr. Scott Hodges and truly felt heard for the first time by a doctor, let alone a surgeon. He spent over an hour with me, taking the time to really understand my personal situation. I never once felt rushed or dumb for asking so many questions, he really made me feel like his only patient.
– Courtney S.
Patient Testimonials
Real experiences from real patients
Outstanding knowledge and skill. Very caring. Excellent explanations of causes of concerns and alternate treatment possibilities. So thankful to have my life back after major surgery.
– Judy W.
Patient Testimonials
Real experiences from real patients
I can’t say enough good things about Dr Hodges. From the very beginning, I’ve never once felt rushed or pressured into surgery. He truly listens, takes the time to be thorough, and genuinely cares about your overall well-being. Even though surgery may be in my future, I feel confident knowing it will only happen when it’s truly the right time. It’s rare to find a doctor who balances expertise with compassion so well.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Care
What makes Spine Motion Specialists different from other spine practices?
Spine Motion Specialists focuses exclusively on motion-preserving spine care. We do not offer spinal fusion. Instead, we help patients explore treatment options designed to protect mobility, function, and long-term spine health.
You will also receive direct one-on-one care from Dr. Hodges from your first visit through recovery. Appointments are never rushed, and your care plan is built around your goals, lifestyle, and anatomy.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
No referral is required. You can schedule a consultation directly with our office whether you are seeking a first opinion or a second opinion.
Do you offer second opinions?
Yes. Many patients come to us after being told fusion is their only option. Dr. Hodges regularly provides second opinions to help patients fully understand their diagnosis and explore all available treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Appointments & Visits
How long is the first consultation?
Your initial visit is 60 to 90 minutes and is entirely one-on-one with Dr. Hodges. This allows enough time to understand your history, perform a full examination, review imaging, and answer all of your questions.
What should I bring to my appointment?
We recommend bringing:
- Any prior imaging and reports
- A list of current medications
- Your medical history
- Notes about your symptoms
- Questions you would like answered
Will I see Dr. Hodges at every visit?
Yes. You will see Dr. Hodges at every appointment. Your care is never delegated to other providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance & Payment
Do you accept insurance?
Spine Motion Specialists is a concierge practice and does not participate in insurance networks. This allows Dr. Hodges to spend dedicated time with each patient and provide highly personalized, unhurried care. While we do not bill insurance directly, we provide detailed receipts and the necessary documentation you can use to submit claims to your insurance carrier for potential out-of-network reimbursement, based on your individual plan benefits.
Can I use my insurance at all?
While we do not bill insurance directly, we provide detailed documentation and receipts so you may submit claims to your insurance carrier for out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan benefits.
How much is the consultation?
The initial consultation fee is $600 and includes your extended one-on-one visit with Dr. Hodges, physical exam, imaging review, and care planning. If you proceed with surgery, this fee is applied toward your procedure.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds?
In many cases, yes. HSA and FSA funds can often be used for consultations and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conditions & Treatment
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of spine and nerve-related conditions, including:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Radiculopathy
- Spinal stenosis
- Facet joint arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sciatica
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Annular Tear
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Post-surgical pain
Do you offer spinal fusion?
No. Spine Motion Specialists does not offer spinal fusion as a treatment option. Our entire practice is dedicated to motion-preserving care because we believe the spine was designed to move and function naturally.
Over time, research and clinical experience have shown that while fusion can help relieve pain in certain situations, it permanently eliminates motion at the treated segment and may place added stress on surrounding areas of the spine. Dr. Hodges has spent his career studying spinal biomechanics and developing alternatives that focus on preserving movement, protecting long-term function, and supporting an active lifestyle.
For patients seeking options beyond fusion, we specialize in advanced, non-fusion procedures designed to relieve pain while maintaining mobility whenever possible.
What motion-preserving procedures do you offer?
Our treatments include:
- Cervical disc replacement
- Lumbar disc replacement
- Facet joint replacement
- Lumbar total joint replacement
- Microdiscectomy
- Spinal decompression
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
Choosing the right treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with pain and uncertainty. At Spine Motion Specialists, you are never expected to make this decision alone.
Dr. Hodges will take the time to thoroughly review your medical history, imaging, physical examination, and most importantly, your personal goals. He looks at your case as an individual, not a diagnosis on a report. Whether your priority is staying active, returning to work comfortably, or simply living with less pain, your goals help guide every recommendation.
This is why your first visit is 60 to 90 minutes long. It allows for meaningful conversation, thoughtful evaluation, and time to answer all of your questions. Our team understands how stressful spine decisions can be, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to help you feel informed, confident, and empowered in your care decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery & Recovery
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the procedure and your overall health. Many patients return to light activity within days to weeks. Dr. Hodges will provide a personalized recovery plan.
Will I need physical therapy?
In many cases, yes. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement.
Will my pain go away immediately?
Some patients notice improvement right away, while others experience gradual improvement as nerves heal. Healing timelines vary.
What if I have been told fusion is my only option?
This is common. Advances in motion-preserving surgery mean some patients may have alternatives to fusion. A second opinion can help determine if those options are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel & Virtual Visits
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes. We offer virtual consultations for patients traveling from out of state or internationally.
Do patients travel to see Dr. Hodges?
Yes. Patients come from across the U.S., Canada, and internationally seeking motion-preserving options.
Will your team help with travel planning?
Yes. Our team can assist with scheduling, timing, and general guidance for travel patients.
Still Have Questions?
If you do not see your question here, our team is happy to help.
Or contact our care team directly at:
Take The Next Step
Whether you are seeking a second opinion or ready to explore treatment options, we are here to help