What to Expect From a Video Consultation With Dr. Prada Before You Travel

Key Takeaways

• Traveling internationally or across the country for spine surgery is a major decision, and a video consultation lets patients get clarity before committing to a trip.
• Preparing your imaging and medical records in advance is the most important step before a virtual visit with Dr. Prada.
• A video consultation allows Dr. Prada to review your case, explain your diagnosis, and discuss treatment options in real time, in the same way an in-person visit would.
• An in-person physical examination is still required before any surgical procedure, and this takes place when you travel to Tampa.
• 360 Ortho & Spine in Tampa, Florida offers video consultations for patients not yet ready to travel. Request a video consultation to find out what your options look like before you book a flight.

Appointments

Getting Clarity Before You Commit to Travel

Deciding to travel for spine surgery, whether from another state, another country, or across a long distance within Florida, is not a small decision. Patients want to understand their diagnosis and treatment options before they commit the time, expense, and logistics that travel requires. A video consultation with Dr. Stefan Prada gives patients that clarity as a first step, without needing to set foot in Tampa.

What Documents and Imaging to Prepare Before a Video Consultation

Preparation is what makes a video consultation useful rather than a general conversation. Before a virtual visit, patients need to submit a completed new patient packet along with copies of their MRI and X-ray images and reports, and any relevant operative reports, for Dr. Prada to review beforehand. This allows him to walk into the video visit with a real understanding of the case rather than starting from scratch during the call. Patients should note that submitted copies are retained for review and may be destroyed afterward, so it is worth keeping personal copies of all original imaging and records.

What Happens During the Virtual Visit Itself

A video consultation follows much of the same structure as an in-person new patient visit at 360 Ortho & Spine. Patients connect with Dr. Prada through a video call, during which he reviews the submitted imaging, discusses the diagnosis in plain language, and answers questions about treatment options. The goal is the same as an in-person visit: for the patient to leave the appointment with a clear understanding of their condition and what care could look like, without pressure to make an immediate decision.

How Dr. Prada Reviews Cases and Explains Diagnosis Remotely

Video consultations are increasingly common in orthopedic care, and research supports their effectiveness for this kind of case review. A narrative review of orthopedic telemedicine published in the National Library of Medicine's PMC database found that telehealth consultations are generally not inferior to in-person evaluations when it comes to clinical decision-making, particularly for reviewing imaging and discussing diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Prada uses this same video format to review MRI and X-ray images directly with the patient, walk through what the images show, and explain which of his endoscopic procedures, such as spinal decompression surgery or discectomy, may be appropriate for the specific condition.

What Still Requires an In-Person Visit Before Surgery

A video consultation is a valuable first step, but it does not replace every part of the process. An in-person physical examination is required before any surgical procedure, and this takes place when the patient travels to Tampa for surgery. Cleveland Clinic's orthopedic telemedicine guidance similarly notes that while many chronic conditions and follow-up questions can be handled through telemedicine, acute or emergent issues are best managed in person, particularly right before a procedure is scheduled. This means most patients can expect one trip to Tampa that combines the final in-person evaluation with the surgery itself, rather than a separate travel visit for each.

Video Consultation vs. In-Person Visit: What Each Covers

How This Step Helps Patients Decide Whether to Travel

For patients weighing whether travel is worth it, a video consultation removes much of the uncertainty. Instead of booking a flight based on limited information, patients can hear directly from Dr. Prada whether their condition is likely to respond to an endoscopic, hardware-free procedure, what recovery might look like, and what to expect from the overall process, all before making any travel commitments. Patients are also strongly advised not to book flights or accommodations until Dr. Prada has provided medical clearance and the office has confirmed a procedure date.

Request a Video Consultation Before You Book Your Trip

If you are considering traveling to Tampa for spine care, a video consultation is the most efficient way to get real answers about your condition before committing to travel plans.

Request a consultation with Dr. Prada at 360 Ortho & Spine, or call (833) 367-4968 to ask about scheduling a video visit.

Frequently Asked Questions