My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Aaron Lewis, MD
Neurology
An important part of being your physician is understanding who you are. That also means understanding how valuable your time is. My colleagues and I have developed My Doctor Online so you can e-mail me, check your lab results, make an appointment, access our many online programs or get information about a particular health topic – any time it’s convenient for you.
Quick Links
- After your visit - Acute Low Back Pain
- After your visit - Neck/Cervical Spine Pain
- Imaging Procedures
- Office Procedures
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- Communicate Your Health Care Wishes - California Advance Health Care Directive Kit
- Managing Your Headaches
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Neurologic Disorders - American Academy of Neurology
- Prepare for Your Procedure - Emmi
General References
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Office Visit
Getting Here
- My office address, maps, and transportation instructions are included in “Offices and Directions”.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
- Please bring your Kaiser Permanente medical card and a photo ID, like your driver’s license, with you.
Before Your Visit
Please bring your medications with you.
- It is important for us to know which medicines, and how much of each, you are taking because it influences recommendations for tests or other medicines you might need.
- Our electronic medical record tells us what has been prescribed, but only you can confirm what you take every day. This includes prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, vitamins, herbs or supplements.
- We can talk about renewing your prescriptions during the visit, or if you already have a prescription, you can pick up a refill at the pharmacy while you are here.
Think about the questions and issues you would like to discuss.
- It is a good idea to write them down and bring them to our visit.
Bring somebody with you to our visit.
- It is a good idea to have somebody come with you, for support, and to help you remember what was discussed during our visit.
Remember to bring your forms.
- If we sent you a form or questionnaire, please complete as much as you can and bring it with you to our visit.
- If you have a form you need us to complete, please bring it with you. Remember to tell us when you need it completed and returned.
During Your Visit
Before you see me, you will meet with my medical assistant (MA).
- My MA will call you in from the waiting room, will take your vital signs, record your weight, and bring you to the exam room.
- You will be asked whether you smoke and if you exercise. If you do smoke and are ready to try to quit, we will give you information about the many services we provide to help you quit. We will also give you information about exercise options. We believe that exercise is good medicine.
You will receive a Preventive Health Prompt.
- Your Preventive Health Prompt lists all of the preventive tests, screenings, and immunizations you have had in the past as well as when you will be due for your next test or screening. We can discuss and schedule any preventive tests that you need.
We will review your medical information, which is readily available through computers in our exam rooms.
- We can review your lab results and x-rays during your visit. While we are together, I can order any tests, x-rays, or medicines that you will need. You will not need a paper prescription or lab order form. After I submit the order, you just go to the laboratory, pharmacy or radiology department and present your card. However, if a CAT Scan or MRI are ordered, an appointment with the Department of Neurology is necessary. You will be called by my office to schedule an appointment.
You will have a physical examination.
- We will begin by discussing your medical history and any current symptoms you are having.
- Then I will perform a physical exam which will focus on evaluating your nervous system.
Tests in the office.
- We perform a number of tests here in the office.
- These include nerve conduction studies, Electromyography (EMG), Lumbar Puncture, Electroencephalogram (EEG) and therapeutic injections.
- If you need any of these tests, I’ll explain them during your visit and then schedule a follow-up appointment.
- An Electroencephalogram (EEG) and nerve conduction studies are often performed by a technologist with specialized training.
Please ask questions.
- It is always good to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have about instructions, medical tests, medications, or treatments. If you don't understand my answers, please ask for more information.
Before you leave, my MA will give you a copy of your After Visit Summary.
- This summary includes my name and the date and time of our visit, your vital signs, my test orders and your medications or immunizations. It usually includes the instructions I’ve given you during our visit and any follow-up information.
- You can refer to your After Visit Summary if you forget what we discussed, or if you just want to recheck your vital signs and weight. You can also view your After Visit Summary online.
After Your Visit
Test results.
- If you had lab work or other tests done, I’ll contact you with your results by letter, email or phone.
- You may view your results online. Since the results are often available online before I contact you, my comments and recommendations usually follow separately.
Follow-up questions/activities.
- You can contact me by secure email for non-urgent questions. It’s direct communication with me and I am usually able to respond to questions in 24-48 hours.
- You can call my office to schedule an appointment or to speak to an advice nurse.
- From my home page, you can also refill your prescriptions, view your test results and review information about past visits.
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