Neurosurgical Evaluations
of the Carolinas
Independent and Complex Evaluations and Medical Management of Cranial, Spinal, and Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Introductory Page
Introduction to the Practice
Neurosurgical Evaluations of the Carolinas is a neurosurgical practice located in North Carolina. The primary physician in the practice is Dr. Del Curling. Dr. Curling's practice focuses exclusively on the evaluation and medical management of brain, spine, and peripheral nerve injuries. Having undergone multiple neurosurgical spine procedures himself, Dr. Curling has elected in recent years to pursue a strictly office-based non-operative practice, focusing predominantly on the evaluation of complex neurosurgical issues. As a "non-surgical Neurosurgeon", Dr. Curling is able to bring to bear the knowledge and experience of a well-trained neurosurgeon, but yet is able to devote the time and commitment that is often lacking in a busy neurosurgical practice to focus on complex brain and spine problems. In addition to significant time spent on extensive personal review of records and studies, Dr. Curling typically devotes from one to two hours directly with new patients, in an effort to gather the necessary information to formulate an accurate diagnosis and to develop a plan of treatment to help individuals in their recovery from these injuries. While many such injuries are best treated non-operatively, for patients who are deemed to be surgical candidates, Dr. Curling can assist with referral to another operating surgeon for such treatment. In cases where surgical treatment is not indicated, Dr. Curling may also be available to assist with carrying out the recommended diagnostic and/or treatment modalities, if requested and appropriate (i.e., for patients released by or not actively under the care of another physician, etc.).
In addition to regularly performing independent medical evaluations (IMEs) for patients with neurosurgical problems, Dr. Curling is also available to perform other related services, including records reviews, second neurosurgical opinions, FMLA and disability evaluations, and other medicolegal evaluations. In addition to evaluations and reviews, Dr. Curling also maintains an active clinical practice, focusing on the treatment of acute and chronic back pain, brain injury, and peripheral nerve injury, in addition to performing minor neurosurgical and other pain procedures.
The office is conveniently located in Kernersville, which is in the center of the Triad area of central North Carolina (Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point). Of note, the major population center of Charlotte, located in the southwest portion of North Carolina, is approximately one and a half hours drive time from the Kernersville office. Asheville, located in the western mountains of North Carolina, is a little over 2 hours drive from the Kernersville office. The Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) is 1 to 2 hours drive time east of Kernersville, dependent on exact location and traffic.
Referrals to the practice are accepted from other physicians, attorneys, case managers, or insurance adjustors. Patients may also contact us directly to determine the appropriate mechanism for obtaining a referral. For accepted worker's compensation or other medicolegal cases, payment for services will usually be handled by the insurance carrier or attorney, though this issue will have been clearly addressed prior to the appointment. Dr. Curling does see regular (non-medicolegal) neurosurgical patients, but he does not participate with or accept assignment from any private managed care insurance plans (HMOs, PPOs, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.) and prepayment is required for all new patient appointments. Our office also does not file private insurance claims, but will provide the patient with a receipt/claim form that can be filed with his/her insurance company so that any reimbursement due can be paid directly to the patient.
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