Emory and Wellstar
are excellent. They don’t offer
what we offer.

Yes — for Grade I spondylolisthesis with stenosis, which is the diagnosis that generates most spondylolisthesis fusion recommendations. TOPS stabilizes the vertebral slip while preserving controlled segmental motion. The FDA randomized controlled trial showed 77% overall clinical success with TOPS versus 24% for fusion at 2 years. Emory is one of the finest academic medical systems in the Southeast. TOPS is not offered there because the certification has not been pursued — not because the technology is experimental. A telemedicine second opinion determines whether your anatomy is a TOPS candidate before you commit to fusion that permanently eliminates motion at that level.

For single or two-level cervical disc disease without significant instability — which describes most ACDF candidates — disc replacement is often the superior long-term option. The ProDisc-C FDA IDE trial demonstrated a 5-fold lower reoperation rate at 5 years versus ACDF (2.9% vs. 14.5%). Wellstar and Piedmont spine surgeons are not certified for Simplify® or ProDisc-C®. A second opinion from a surgeon certified for both — who will recommend whichever is better for your specific anatomy — is the right step before committing to ACDF.

Yes — and many Georgia patients do exactly that. Atlanta to Naples is approximately 7.5–8 hours on I-75 South: one interstate, through Macon, Valdosta, and across the Florida state line into Tampa, then south. Many patients drive down the day before surgery with a family member, do the pre-op visit with Dr. Katsevman the next morning, and have surgery same day. Most procedures are same-day discharge — you can be in a Naples hotel that evening. Return travel (driving or flying) is typically possible within a day or two. For patients who prefer not to fly, driving is a genuinely practical option that no other Midwest or Northeast feeder state offers.

Yes — most major Georgia insurance plans cover out-of-state surgery, including Anthem BCBS of Georgia, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana. The surgery itself is billed to your insurance in the standard way. The practice provides full documentation for out-of-state claims. PRP and BMAC biologics are the only cash-pay elements — optional add-ons priced and disclosed upfront.

Almost certainly yes. Emory, Wellstar, Piedmont, Northside, and Grady all share the same structural limitation: their surgeons are not certified for TOPS or ProDisc-L®, and none offer intraoperative PRP or BMAC. The gap is not institution-specific — it is a feature of the Georgia academic and regional spine landscape. The conversation changes when the second surgeon can offer what the first one could not.

Atlanta to Naples via I-75 South is approximately 480 miles and 7.5–8 hours depending on traffic. You exit Atlanta on I-75 South and stay on it through Macon, Cordele, Valdosta, and across the Georgia-Florida state line. In Florida you pass through the Lake City area, then Gainesville, Ocala, and Tampa, where I-75 turns south toward Fort Myers and Naples. No navigation required — it is one road. The drive is straightforward and passes through beautiful stretches of Georgia and Florida. Many Georgia patients make a weekend of it. If you prefer to fly, ATL to RSW is 90 minutes direct with multiple daily departures on Delta, American, and Southwest.