Spine U is an online educational resource that provides information about how to care for your spine and avoid preventable back and neck injuries.
Care That Treats the Whole Person
After struggling with back pain, Jim Hammersley finally found hope at AdventHealth. Jim describes his journey from being in a wheelchair to reaching his goal of climbing Camelback Mountain.
The Spine Health Difference
-
Spine-Specific Expertise
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon who concentrates solely on the spine
-
Evidence-Based, All-Inclusive Care
A comprehensive, whole-body approach to the treatment of spinal conditions using proven methods including a wide variety of conservative treatments, minimally invasive surgical options, physical therapy and pain management
-
Outcomes That Exceed National Standards
According to national data, our patients saw a greater reduction in pain and a greater reduction in disability than the published outcomes from the top centers across the country
-
Patient Navigator
A spine-trained care coordinator who provides personal assistance and support throughout a patient’s prescribed, customized care plan
-
Conservative Approach
Exploring non-invasive and minimally invasive options at the start of every treatment plan
-
Robotic and Medical Device Innovation
Working to develop the next generation of robotic and medical device technology to identify which approaches have the greatest effect on patient outcomes
-
Wellness Education
Teaching injury prevention techniques and lifestyle management with a focus on whole-person healing — body, mind and spirit
-
Collaborative Approach
A patient registry that tracks the long-term efficacy of individual treatment plans — identifying those that work best and matching them to other patients with similar conditions
-
Patient Outcomes Research
A patient registry that tracks the long-term efficacy of individual treatment plans — identifying those that work best and matching them to other patients with similar conditions
-
Pain Management and Rehabilitation
For chronic back and neck pain, our minimally invasive and non-surgical treatments can help you feel better, and our rehabilitation services help you regain your rhythm and overcome pain, one step at a time
Relief from pain is within your reach, and we're here to help.
Where Expertise and Compassion Work Together
Award-Winning Care
Certified Spine Surgery Program
AdventHealth Altamonte is a Certified Spine Surgery Program by DNV GL - Healthcare Accreditation Services. AdventHealth is the first hospital system in the state of Florida to achieve this certification.
Learn More About Spine Care with SpineU
SpineU is an online educational resource that provides information about how to care for your spine and avoid preventable back and neck injuries. This free video library encompasses a wide variety of topics and answers commonly asked questions regarding diagnosis methods, non-surgical procedures, minimally invasive surgical treatments and recovery expectations.
Practice Resources and Information
The AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health team strives to make your doctor’s visit as hassle-free as possible. In our patient resources section, you can review info on the services we offer, insurances accepted, unique programs and much more. If you have any questions about your next visit or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Call407-303-5452.
- Conditions and Services
-
We treat patients with the following conditions and more: Services Arthritis Patient navigator Chronic neck, back and leg pain Advanced diagnostics Herniated discs Minimally invasive surgical interventions Kyphosis (round back) Pain medicine Ruptured discs Physical therapy Sciatica Therapeutic massage Scoliosis Wellness and education programs Spinal stenosis Pain psychology Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis Nutrition Thoracic and lumbar fractures Read more about spinal conditions and treatment options here.
- Accepted Insurance
-
- AARP Medicare Complete - HMO & PPO
- Florida Hospital/AdventHealth Care Advantage - HMO & PPO
- AdventHealth Physician Network/Disney HMO
- Aetna- GEHA
- Aetna AdventHealth
- Aetna – Beech Street Corporation
- Aetna US Health Care - HMO & PPO
- Adventist Care Centers
- AvMed Health Plan – HMO & PPO
- Aetna – Coventry HMO & PPO
- Aetna Medicare- HMO & PPO
- American Postal Workers Union Health Plan
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield
- Florida Blue
- BlueOptions
- PPO/EPO
- BlueSelect
- PPO/EPO
- My Blue
- Network Blue
- Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- Medicare HMO & PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield – Federal Employee Program
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield – Independence PPO
- Bright Health
- Cigna Healthcare of Florida, Inc. – HMO & PPO • Cigna - Allegiance (Disney)
- Cigna - Allegiance (Universal)
- Cigna - Health Springs
- Cigna - Open Access - PPO
- Freedom - Medicare HMO
- Humana - Medicare HMO & PPO
- Humana Commercial - HMO & PPO
- Health First Health Plans – HMO & PPO
- Health First Health Plans – Medicare HMO & PPO
- Medicare - Rail Road
- Medicare – Florida Part-B
- Optimum Healthcare- Medicare HMO
- Oscar Health Plans- PPO
- Sunshine – Ambetter PPO (Not Medicaid Replacement)
- TRICARE - East (Humana)
- TRICARE - Prime
- TRICARE - Standard
- United Healthcare- Empire HMO & PPO
- United Healthcare- All Savers
- United Healthcare - Dual Complete – HMO & PPO
- United Healthcare - Medicare Solutions
- United Medicare Resources (UMR) - HMO & PPO
- Wellcare Medicare – HMP/SNP
- Wellcare Medicare – Dividend HMO
- Wellcare Medicare – Essential POS
List is current as of July 2021.
Please contact the practice for the most up-to-date information about insurances.
We do not provide treatment for automobile accident cases, litigations, self-pay patients and children under the age of 18.
- Patient-Centered Pathway
-
Our collaborative approach to spine care puts patients in the driver’s seat through every step of their treatment plan. Dr. Patel and his medical team work hand-in-hand with each patient to identify the most appropriate course of action based on the patient’s specific condition, individual preferences and goals, with an emphasis on using the most conservative options first.
Affordable Care: A multidisciplinary team executes evidence-based care to optimize treatments and avoid unnecessary procedures, all while improving outcomes.
Research and Innovation: Our practice hosts a large database comprised of over 14,000 patients. And leading the industry in innovation is Dr. Patel, who is pioneering solutions that elevate the standards of surgical care. Dr. Patel has created a spinal robot that has received FDA approval and advances surgeon efficiency and precision. Dr. Patel is also the creator of iSight™ , augmented reality (AR) glasses that superimpose patient information in a surgeon’s visual field, eliminating the need to look up at monitors in the operating room.
Preventative Care: We are home to the SpineU digital library — a vast, free educational resource that provides spine health education to anyone who is facing neck or back pain. The clinical team consistently participates in educational seminars and offers free corporate wellness programs.
Customized Treatment Plan: Dr. Patel and his team coordinate patient care across the AdventHealth network and provide a specific treatment plan for each individual.
- Imaging Procedures
-
Imaging exams are important tools in the diagnosis of spine-related issues. We want you to be prepared for these vital exams. The links below provide details on what the procedure is and the expectations for before, during and after the exam. Please make sure to follow your physician’s instructions as it relates to each exam. The imaging center will provide additional details for your specific exam when you book your appointment.
What to Expect: MRI
What to Expect: CT
What to Expect: Myelogram - Research and Innovation
-
Breakthroughs in Robotics and Navigation
Since 2011, Dr. Patel has been working on developing, testing and perfecting robotic spine surgery. He carried out a European clinical trial for robotic spine surgery and was able to successfully obtain European CE marking, as well as subsequent FDA approval in the United States for use of the robotic spine surgery system. He holds multiple patents in robotic spine surgery and continues to work on developing the next steps in this field.
Current Clinical Trials & Publications
- Phase II FDA study on a bioabsorbable implant for the improvement of sciatica; goal is to provide a less invasive option for patients with lumbar disc herniation
- The Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) on Bone Growth in Spinal Surgeries
- Factors that Influence the Outcome of Physical Therapy in Patients with Low Back Pain
- Does Patient Satisfaction with Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain Correlate with Clinical Outcomes?
- Dr. Patel is currently evaluating the learning curve and efficacy for robotics versus traditional spine surgery
Leading Robotics & Navigation Efforts
Dr. Patel has chaired the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) Robotics and Navigation Section since 2012. In this role, he leads NASS efforts to evaluate the most promising applications of robotic-assisted techniques and intraoperative imaging capabilities in spine surgery and educate surgeons worldwide on their use.
As the largest society for medical professionals specializing in spine care, NASS counts over 8,000 orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, researchers and other practitioners as members. The group hosts an annual meeting to share the latest information, innovative techniques and best practices with renowned spine care professionals from around the world.
Dr. Patel is also currently on the Scientific Advisory Board for Medtronic Spine Surgery.
iSight Technology
The iSight™ technology consists on augmented reality (AR) glasses developed by Dr. Chetan K. Patel, Executive Medical Director of Spine Surgery. This groundbreaking technology superimposes patient information in the spine surgeon’s visual field where it’s readily available, eliminating the need to look up at monitors in the operating room.
Augmented Reality in the OR: Latest Breakthrough in Spine Surgery
- Destination Care
-
We recognize that you or your family may be traveling from out of town to receive care at our facility. We also know it is hard to care for yourself or a loved one while in the hospital, which is why we have created a Concierge Services program at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. Our team is here to take care of the extra details, including:
- Hotel discounts for your stay during care
- Taxi and shuttle service
- Car Rentals
- Area maps and directions
- Local information you may need as an out-of-town visitor
We want to remove the distractions and ease unnecessary stress, allowing you to focus on the healing process. Our friendly, service-oriented staff can make arrangements and do research for you. Services are available to our patients and their families.
If you'd like to make an appointment and speak with a care coordinator, please call Call407-303-5452.
- Golf Fore Life Program
-
We’ll help you keep your spine and swing in motion.
Spine and Swing in Motion
Without proper body mechanics, a simple golf swing could cause injury to your spine and leave you out of the game for an extended amount of time. Luckily, you can learn how to avoid hurting your back while significantly improving your game with the help of the Golf Fore Life program offered through the AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. This specialty program is designed to help you discover your perfect golf stance and teach you the basics for keeping your spine safe through proper swing, balance and posture techniques. Our team, including our Titleist Performance Institute-certified specialists, is dedicated to the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing. An individualized golf fitness program will be developed, based on your assigned handicap, designed to improve your swing and protect your back by increasing the efficiency, strength and consistency of your movements.About Our Program
The Golf Fore Life program employs a 12-point screening process that addresses your posture before, during and after your swing, your joint motions throughout the swing and your stability and positioning at the finish. This process is facilitated by recording your swing on video, which allows for our experts to rewind and review your technique with you. Our goal is to help you:- Control your balance and weight shift during your swing
- Keep a stable sequence throughout the swing
- Maximize your energy
- Practice proper body mechanics
- Prevent spine and neck injuries
- Once complete, your screening results are used to create an individualized plan for you that may include fitness training, physical therapy and a referral to a coach to help improve your swing mechanics.
We look forward to helping you get back in the game! For more information about our Golf Fore Life program call Call407-303-3451.
- Corporate Health and Wellness
-
Did you know there are almost 300 million lost work days per year in the US due to back and neck pain? At AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health, we understand how debilitating back pain can be, how it can affect all areas of a person’s life and how important it is for all to be aware of preventative measures. We are here to partner with you on the health of your employees, to help prevent injuries, to decrease the number of employee sick days taken and to reduce health care costs for the employer and employee alike.
- Workers' Compensation Cases
-
The latest in research, technology and treatments for spine-related workers' compensation cases.
At AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health, we have a return-to-work mentality, and understand the complexity of workers' compensation cases. We communicate frequently with employers and claims handlers to help manage the injured employee's treatment—to gain momentum and get back to work.
Workers' Compensation Philosophy
Our return-to-work mentality goal is to minimize our workers' compensation patient’s pain and recovery time while maximizing functionality. We provide therapeutic and surgical treatments for the entire spectrum of neck and lower back disorders, including:
- Prompt evaluation and treatment of work-related injuries
- Timely work status reports
- Quick and concise exam notes
- Credible reports following the exam
- Effective communication with employers, adjusters and case managers
- Dedicated workers' compensation coordinator
- Workers' Compensation Specialties
Arthritis Instability Cauda Equina Syndrome Kyphosis (Roundback) of the Spine Cervical Fracture Low Back Pain Cervical Radiculopathy Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Cervical Spondylosis Neck Pain Concise Exam Notes and Credible Reports Prompt Evaluation and Treatment Congenital Torticollis (Twisted Neck) Return-to-Work Mentality Dedicated Case Coordinator Sciatica Disk Herniations Scoliosis Effective Communication with all Parties Spinal Cord Compression Exploring Spinal Structure and Function Spinal Stenosis Fracture of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Fractures Timely Work Status Reports Herniated Disk Tumors Infections Work Related Injuries To learn more about workers' compensation cases, please contact our practice workers' compensation specialists at 407-303-5452.
Find Care Near You
Take Health Into
Your Own Hands
Do more than ever before in one handy download.
- View Lab Results
- Pay Bills
- Message Your Care Team
- Schedule Appointments
- 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care
- Access Health Records with MyChart