Frequently Asked Questions

The Blue Spine Procedures are performed under local anesthesia through micro-incisions, meaning you remain awake and comfortable throughout. Most patients walk out the same day. Conventional spine surgery typically requires general anesthesia, large incisions, and days in a hospital followed by months of recovery.

Dr. James Harrington began developing and performing minimally invasive spine procedures in 1983. Over 40 years and 80,000 procedures later, the Institute maintains a 98.75% patient satisfaction rate.

No referral is required. You can contact us directly by phone or through our contact form. Our patient coordinators will review your case and help determine if you may be a candidate for our procedures.

Yes. Procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which means you remain awake and alert. You will be comfortable and can communicate with your surgical team throughout. This real-time feedback is actually a key safety advantage of the Blue Spine approach.

Most procedures take between one and two hours depending on the complexity of the case. You will typically spend additional time in our recovery area before being discharged, but the vast majority of patients go home the same day.

Recovery varies by procedure and individual patient, but most patients return to light activity within one to two weeks. Full recovery and return to all activities typically occurs within four to six weeks, significantly faster than conventional spine surgery.

We specialize in patients who have had previous spine surgery without satisfactory results, a condition known as failed back surgery syndrome. In many cases we can identify and treat the underlying issue that was missed or inadequately addressed by prior surgery.

Many insurance plans cover minimally invasive spine surgery. Coverage depends on your specific plan, diagnosis, and whether conservative treatments have been tried. Our team will work with you to verify your benefits and explain your coverage options before any commitment is required.

We offer financing options for patients who are self-pay or whose insurance does not provide adequate coverage. Our patient coordinators can walk you through the available options and help you understand the total cost of care before you make any decisions.

Please contact our office directly to discuss your specific Medicare or Medicaid coverage. Our billing team can verify your benefits and explain what is and is not covered under your plan before you schedule a consultation.