1. Do I need a referral to be seen?
You can self-refer if your insurance policy is not an HMO, VA, or Tricare Prime for active duty members.
2. What insurances are accepted at Emerald Coast Neurology?
We participate in most insurance plans and will gladly file your claims according to your contract with your insurance company.
3. Do you have a cancellation list?
Yes, we do have a cancellation list. If your appointment is scheduled out further than you would like, you can request to be put on our cancellation list and if a sooner appointment becomes available we will give you a call.
4. What do I do in the meantime for my symptoms until my appointment?
Any medical advice will need to be provided by the physician or mid-level during your appointment. Please go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms are persistent and you are unable to wait for your appointment.
5. Are you affiliated with Baptist Hospital?
Emerald Coast Neurology is an independent practice.
6. How many providers are in your practice?
We have 3 physicians and 4 mid-level providers.
7. What conditions do we treat?
- ALS
- Headaches
- Seizure Disorders
- Sleep Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Huntington’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Tremors
- Bell’s Palsy
- Strokes
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Concussions
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Dementia
- Memory Loss
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
8. What specific conditions does each provider prefer to treat?
- Dr. Bear has a special passion for migraine, neurological, and headache medicine and is the only board certified Headache Specialist in the area.
- Dr. Ross enjoys all neurological disorders but has a special interest in addressing patient’s lifestyle and nutritional needs as it relates to their neurological problems.
- Dr. Porter also enjoys helping patients with migraines and headaches. He also enjoys treating Parkinson, tremors, Bells’ Palsy, Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy patients.
9. When having a procedure done, do I need to have a driver with me?
Most of our procedures do not require a driver. Some infusions require a driver and our nursing staff will advise you upon scheduling if one is needed.
10. How long does it take for referrals to process?
Due to insurance and other facilities requirements, referrals could take 2 weeks or more to process.
11. How long will it take for test results?
In most cases test results should be available within 14 days of testing.
12. What is an EMG/NCS?
EMG/NCS (electromyogram and nerve conduction studies) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and nerve cells that control them. The EMG portion of the test uses electrodes to transmit or detect electrical signals. The NCS portion of the test is an electrical test of your nerves and muscles. The purpose of the test is to localize where your symptoms are coming from.
13. Does an EMG hurt?
It can be uncomfortable however most patients tolerate it very well.
14. What is a VNG?
This testing is comprised of subtests used by our technician to evaluate the balance organs of your inner ears. VNG testing is often recommended when a patient has experienced dizziness and/or balance disturbance. These simple, comprehensive tests will take approximately 1 ½ hours to complete.
15. What is an EEG?
EEG (Electroencephalogram) is a test that detects abnormalities and electrical activity of brain wave patterns.
16. What is an MRI?
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) is a noninvasive way for a medical professional to examine your organs, tissues and skeletal system. It produces high-resolution images of the inside of the body that help diagnose a variety of conditions.