11,384
Neurosurgeons
100%
Accepting patients
81%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 11,384 neurosurgeons nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (81%). 68% accept Medicare.
Neurosurgeons perform operations on the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. They treat brain tumors, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, aneurysms, epilepsy (when surgery is an option), traumatic brain and spinal injuries, hydrocephalus, and chronic pain conditions requiring surgical intervention.
Neurosurgical training is among the longest in medicine: a seven-year residency after medical school, with some programs extending further. Many neurosurgeons pursue additional one- to two-year fellowships in subspecialties like spine surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, vascular neurosurgery, or stereotactic radiosurgery. The depth of training reflects the complexity and stakes of operating on the nervous system.
Not every neurological condition needs surgery. Neurosurgeons evaluate patients to determine whether surgery is the right option and often recommend conservative treatment first. When surgery is indicated, they bring specialized skills and technology (microscopes, navigation systems, intraoperative monitoring) to operate with maximum precision in the most delicate structures of the body.
See a neurosurgeon for brain tumors, herniated discs causing nerve compression, spinal stenosis not improving with conservative treatment, spinal fractures or instability, brain aneurysms, trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome (when surgery is needed), hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, and traumatic injuries to the brain or spine. Your neurologist, PCP, or ER physician will typically make the referral.
The consultation includes a neurological exam and detailed review of your imaging (MRI, CT). The neurosurgeon will explain whether surgery is recommended, what the procedure involves, the expected outcome, and the risks. They may recommend trying conservative treatments first (physical therapy, injections, medication) before operating. For elective procedures, you will have time to ask questions and seek a second opinion if desired.
Consultation copay: $30-75 · Discectomy: $15,000-50,000 · Spinal fusion: $25,000-100,000+ · Brain tumor removal: $50,000-150,000+
Neurologists diagnose and treat neurological conditions with medications and non-surgical therapies. Neurosurgeons operate on the brain, spine, and nerves. For conditions that may or may not need surgery, you typically start with a neurologist. If surgery becomes an option, you are referred to a neurosurgeon. The two specialties work together closely.
Risk varies enormously depending on the location and type of lesion. Some brain surgeries (like removing a superficial tumor) carry relatively low risk. Operations near critical brain areas (speech, movement) carry higher risk but use sophisticated monitoring to minimize complications. Your neurosurgeon will discuss the specific risks for your case. Doing nothing also carries risk if the condition is progressive.
Minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions and cause less tissue disruption, which generally means less pain and faster recovery. For many spine conditions (herniated discs, simple decompressions), minimally invasive approaches produce equivalent or better outcomes. For complex cases (multi-level fusions, spinal deformities), open surgery may be necessary. The best approach depends on your specific condition.
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Neurosurgery is covered under medical insurance when medically indicated. Prior authorization is required for nearly all elective neurosurgical procedures. Verify that the neurosurgeon, the hospital, and the anesthesiologist are all in-network. Spine surgery and brain surgery are among the most expensive procedures in medicine. Request a detailed cost estimate and confirm your out-of-pocket maximum.