Hospital Affiliations:

Putnam Hospital, Carmel, NY

Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT

During your initial visit you will be seen by Dr. Petrucci who will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. A focused neurological examination will then be made and any x-rays, MRI's, or other imaging studies and reports will be reviewed.  Please remember to bring these with you to the appointment and to request copies from the imaging center prior to the visit to allow them time to be copied. 

While many patients want to discuss in great detail the exact event which may have caused their injury, the most important information your health care team needs involves your symptoms (such as where you have pain, weakness, numbness, etc.) and what limitations these symptoms place on your every day activities. Please take the time to write down this information.

After reviewing your medical history and diagnostic tests, you will be presented with a number of treatment options. We will inform you of the risks and benefits of each option and will assist you in making the final decision concerning which option is best for you.

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 Patient's 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.