Refer to a Spine Surgeon in Fort Wayne
Referral information for primary care, urgent care, pain management, physical therapy, occupational medicine, and specialists seeking a spine evaluation or independent second opinion with Marc Greenberg, MD.
- Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication
- Cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy
- Spondylolisthesis and instability
- SI joint pain
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Failed back surgery and revision questions
Call the office at (260) 484-1400 or use the refer-a-patient form to request follow-up. The public form collects referring-office contact information only; the team will coordinate secure transfer of imaging and clinical records.
For a time-sensitive or progressive neurologic concern, call the office directly so the clinical situation can be routed appropriately. Emergencies should use the appropriate emergency pathway.
Common reasons to refer
Dr. Greenberg evaluates cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac problems. Common referral questions include persistent radicular arm or leg pain; walking-limited neurogenic claudication; cervical myelopathy symptoms such as loss of dexterity, balance decline, or gait change; spondylolisthesis or instability; painful compression fracture; persistent symptoms after prior spine surgery; and review of a proposed decompression, disc replacement, or fusion.
A referral does not presume surgery. The consultation may support continued nonoperative care, a targeted diagnostic or therapeutic step, additional imaging, observation, or a surgical discussion. The goal is a clear recommendation that connects the history, examination, imaging, prior treatment, function, and patient priorities.
Information that makes the visit more useful
When available, send the actual DICOM imaging in addition to the radiology report. Recent MRI or CT images, standing radiographs, flexion-extension studies, and postoperative films can materially change the assessment. Include the symptom timeline, objective neurologic findings, treatments attempted, treatment response, and the main clinical question you want the consultation to answer.
- Therapy: dates or duration, functional goals, and response.
- Injections: type, level, laterality, date, and amount and duration of relief.
- Prior surgery: operative report, implant information when available, and postoperative imaging.
- Work injury: injury date, mechanism, current work status, restrictions, and case-management contact.
- Medical risk: relevant anticoagulation, nicotine use, bone health, glycemic control, and other factors that may affect a procedure or fusion.
Do not place any of this patient or clinical information in the public referral form. That form initiates a callback; the office will coordinate an appropriate secure transfer method.
Safety-sensitive findings
Possible cauda equina syndrome, rapidly progressive motor deficit, acute spinal cord dysfunction, suspected postoperative infection, unstable trauma, or another emergency concern should not wait for routine website processing. Direct the patient to the appropriate emergency evaluation and call the receiving clinical team as indicated.
Communication back to the referring team
After the consultation, the aim is to return a focused assessment and plan that answers the referral question: the likely pain or neurologic generator, whether the imaging is clinically concordant, what nonoperative options remain, and whether an operation is reasonable. Referring clinicians remain essential partners in medication management, risk optimization, rehabilitation, and longitudinal care.
Second opinions and revision questions
Second-opinion referrals are appropriate before a consequential operation, when two proposed plans differ, when a patient wants to know whether fusion is necessary, or when symptoms persist after prior surgery. A useful second opinion may confirm the original recommendation; the objective is clarity, not disagreement for its own sake.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a referral?
Use the referral-contact form or call (260) 484-1400. The public form collects referring-office contact information only; the office will provide a secure channel for patient records and imaging.
What records are most useful?
Recent office notes, the actual MRI or CT images when available, imaging reports, relevant therapy or injection records, medication information, and prior operative reports for patients who have already had spine surgery.
Can I refer for a second opinion?
Yes. Referrals are welcome when a patient wants independent review of imaging, confirmation of a proposed operation, discussion of a less invasive option, or clarity after prior spine surgery.
What should I do for a possible neurologic emergency?
New bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, rapidly progressive weakness, acute spinal cord symptoms, or another emergency concern should be directed to the appropriate emergency pathway rather than a routine website referral.
Refer a patient
Initiate contact and the office will coordinate secure transfer of imaging and clinical records, with communication back to your team after the visit.