You may still have a few questions and we want to help. Here are some of the more common questions we hear.

How do I access the patient portal?

The Healow patient portal is no longer utilized. Effective March 20, 2025, our new patient portal is the LiveWell app. If you do not have an account already, please visit aah.org/livewell for more information.

What is Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is any surgical procedure that is less invasive than open surgery. Minimally invasive surgeries typically require only a small incision, sometimes no more than an inch.  A minimally invasive procedure typically involves the use of a microscope or endoscope that is passed through a small opening in the skin. The endoscope contains a tiny camera that directs the surgeon and provides them with a “view” to the treatment area.

Doctors evaluate each patient's condition to determine the best approach to achieve the desired outcome. Provided the patient is in good general health, most back, neck, and other spine surgeries, such as spinal decompression and spinal fusion, can be performed using minimally invasive technologies including the METRx tube. Brain surgery can also be performed using minimally invasive technologies but it may be limited to certain types of conditions and pathology. Read more about minimally invasive surgery here.

How do I get to your main office?

Our main office is located at 716 S. Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois, approximately 30 miles north of Chicago. Click here for a map. When turning in from Milwaukee Avenue, please note that the road is divided! Please turn in on the south side of the median to avoid oncoming traffic.

How do I get my disability or FMLA forms filled out?

Please contact the office at 847-362-1848 or fax your forms to 847-362-3351.

Do I need an MRI before scheduling with ACSN?

At ACSN, we want to make sure you get the care you deserve in a timely manner. We take initial consultations for patients with and without recent imaging. An appropriate history and examination are necessary to determine any additional imaging needs. Often, your initial visit will be with one of our physician assistants. They work closely with the physicians and allow us to get you on the path to feeling better faster.

If I need surgery, how quickly can I get on the surgical schedule?

The answer is, it depends. If your case is deemed an emergency, it will be treated immediately. If your procedure is elective, the timing will depend in large part on the pre-authorization requirements of your insurance carrier as well as your surgeon’s schedule. Some of our surgeons book out for 2-3 months while others have sooner availability. Our surgical schedulers will work with you to schedule your procedure.

What hospitals do ACSN Neurosurgeons operate out of?

Please visit our hospital affiliations page for a complete list.

What do I need to bring to my initial consultation?

You will need to bring a photo I.D., your insurance card (if applicable), workers compensation claim information (if applicable), and your most recent MRI/CT images and reports (if applicable).

If I have questions for the doctor after my appointment, how do I get in touch with him/her?

Questions are welcome at any time. During normal business hours, you can contact our at (847) 362-1848 and choose the menu option for existing patients.

I need a refill on my prescription. Who do I contact?

Please contact your pharmacy and have them send a refill request to our office. Once received by our office, your prescription will be reviewed by a provider, and if approved, sent back to the pharmacy. If the provider feels that an appointment is needed or the refill is not approved, our staff will contact you.

Once you become part of Advocate Medical Group, will my doctor still be available?

Yes! All of our providers and staff that you know and love will still be here to provide the same high level of neurosurgical care to our patients. It will still be our staff answering your phone calls and questions, and helping you through the process from your initial consult to your treatment and recovery. We look forward to seeing you soon!