PATIENT RESOURCES

Let’s start with the definition of a neurosurgeon. A neurosurgeon is a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, the spine and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves. A spine neurosurgeon, therefore, surgically treats diseases and conditions of the spine and spinal cord nervous system. 

Here at the Och Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York, whether or not to perform surgery is made on a patient-to-patient basis, meaning that each patient is different and we take our time to assess and recommend on the condition of that particular patient. This may include a number of situations including the patient’s symptoms, their level of function, age, etc. Surgery is the last resort here at The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute, so we look into all non-surgical methods of treatment first. However, if non-operative treatments have been attempted without improvement or worsening over a certain time period, then surgical treatment may be recommended. In this case, our doctors clearly explain the treatment procedure to you, discuss your options, and make a recommendation for what they feel will provide the best possible outcome for you. That is when you will decide whether spine surgery is right for you or not. It is not an easy decision, but you can feel confident that our spine doctors are among the best in the world with experience and expertise that inform their recommendations.

You may request an appointment online by filling out the Request an Appointment online form at the top of this page, or by calling our main office directly at (212) 305-7976. 

A preliminary assessment regarding your condition is often possible through a review of your history, symptoms and reports of recent imaging (MRI, CAT scan within the  past 6 months) of your spine. This information can be forwarded to Dr. McCormick for review. However, a personalized treatment plan, especially one that might include surgery, usually requires an in-depth evaluation, examination and discussion that is most accurately and comprehensively performed as part of an in-person consultation in our physician’s office and examination room.

The Spine Hospital at The Neurological Institute is located at 710 West 168th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10032. 
The Och Spine Hospital is located at 5141 Broadway (West 220th St), New York, NY 10034. 
There are many options on how to get to both locations from public transportation to driving. For more information on directions, please visit the Locations section of the website on our Contact page. 

Parking in the CUMC campus area is a scarce resource. For detailed parking information, please visit the Contact section of the website.

Dr. McCormick currently participates in a number of health insurance networks in New York. You can find a list of the insurance he accepts on the Patient Resources page of this website. Please note that even if your insurance company does not appear on the list, you may be eligible for significant coverage. Be sure to contact our billing office at 212-305-8741 to learn about your eligibility. 

Yes, recent image(s) with a report must be completed within the last 6 months. If the scan is older than 6 months, please have your primary or referring physician repeat the image study. Without this information, we can not provide a thorough evaluation that best serves your needs.  

 You may request an appointment online by filling out the Request an Appointment online form (see the orange colored Request an Appointment link at the top of this page), or by calling our main office directly at (212) 305-7976. 

Once you submit the request form online, please make sure to mail or fax us your most recent images and/or scans report (within the last 6 months), and include your first name, last name and primary contact information. If your latest scan is older than 6 months, have your primary or referring physician repeat the image study. Without this information, we may not be able to provide a thorough evaluation that best serves your needs. See below for our mailing address and fax number.
Mailing Address: ATTN: Dr. Paul C. McCormick, The Spine Hospital at The Neurological Institute of New York, 710 West 168th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10032.
Main Number: (212) 305-7976 Fax Number: (212) 342-1540

Before making a new appointment, our medical staff reviews and evaluates your recent images. If the scans are older than 6 months, please ask your primary or referring physician to repeat the image study. We may not be able to complete a thorough evaluation with imaging older than 6 months. 

We understand that often your need is urgent. If your condition is truly urgent, please call our office directly at (212) 305-7976. In other cases, the medical staff will review your information within 2-3 business days of receiving your complete information (medical history, films, etc.) and one of our patient care coordinators will be in touch with you. 

Every patient is our top priority. If your case is an emergency and you need to see Dr. McCormick immediately, please call our office directly at (212) 305-7976.