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AVM Treatment Centers in NJ: What to Look For

You want to find the AVM treatment center in the tri-state area that can best serve you. If you aren’t sure what to look for, here are some helpful guidelines.

  • Seek out an AVM treatment center that offers the procedure your doctor has recommended.
  • Look for doctors with experience in treating AVM.
  • Find out of the AVM treatment center accepts your insurance.
  • An AVM treatment center in northern NJ will limit your travel time.
  • Working with a doctor who makes you comfortable will improve your experience.

Determining What Matters in an AVM Treatment Center

Your doctor has recommended treatment for your arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Now one of your next steps is to find the AVM treatment center in the tri-state area that suits your needs. Chances are you have not had AVM treatment in the past, and you may not know quite what to look for when choosing an AVM treatment center. The following information outlines five suggestions to keep in mind as you begin your research, which can help you narrow down your search to the center that is right for you.

1. The Capabilities of the Center

One of the first things to consider is whether the AVM treatment center is capable of providing the treatment your doctor has recommended. Your doctor will recommend a treatment path based on the size and location of your AVM, as well as your personal health factors. Some patients will require surgery, while others may benefit from Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Other patients may need to undergo a combination approach.

Not every center will offer every possible treatment option. If your doctor has recommended Gamma Knife radiosurgery, you will need to seek out an AVM treatment center in NJ that is capable of performing the procedure, and likewise for any other treatment plan. The first step in finding the right center for you is to find one that offers the treatment you require.

2. The Expertise of the Doctors

As you learn more about the AVM treatment centers in NJ, it is also important to consider the expertise of the individual doctors in treating your condition. Do the doctors at the center have specific experience with managing and treating AVM? Look at the center’s website and the doctors’ credentials, read reviews by other patients or even call the center and ask directly. By knowing you are being treated by a specialist, you will be able to rest easy, confident your health is in good hands.

3. The Insurance Plans Accepted

If the AVM treatment center you visit accepts your insurance plan, that is one less thing for you to have to deal with during and after treatment. However, some centers provide Patient Financial Advocates (or other similar resources) who can help you understand your insurance benefits, whether the center accepts your plan or not. They can also often provide assistance if you are uninsured or underinsured, helping alleviate some of the stress related to the financial side of your care.

4. A Convenient Location

Do not underestimate the importance of an AVM treatment center located close to home. While there are treatment centers outside of NJ, a convenient location can reduce your travel time and allow you to use that time for other things. You will need to travel to and from your appointments, which may include pre-treatment and follow-up visits. If you are undergoing surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a period of time. Being close to home can be more comfortable emotionally and physically, and finding an AVM treatment center within northern NJ can make this possible.

5. A Doctor You Can Trust

Finally, you will need to find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable before, during and after your treatment. A helpful way to narrow down your search is to make a list of qualities you find important in your doctor. This could be things like empathy, confidence, compassion or other traits you value. As you read through online reviews by other AVM patients, keep an eye open for these keywords and consider moving those doctors to the top of your list.

When the time comes for your first visit to the AVM treatment center, trust that little voice inside and go with your gut. Did you feel good when you walked in the door? Were you greeted and made to feel comfortable? When you met the doctor, did you feel like you were respected as an individual and not just a procedure? It is important that you answer “yes” to these questions. Feeling comfortable with your doctor will help you have peace of mind during your procedure, allowing you to relax and focus on your recovery.

Begin Your Search with Confidence

At this point, you can feel confident as you begin your search for the right AVM treatment center for you. The guidelines here are designed to give you a jumping-off point, helping you decide what is important to you as you set out on this next stage of your treatment path. Finding an AVM treatment center that fits your personal needs and makes you comfortable will help you keep your mind relaxed as your treatment date approaches. The extra time you take to find the right fit will benefit you during the entire process, giving you peace of mind regarding your treatment.

Anthony D’Ambrosio, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.N.S
Anthony D’Ambrosio, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.N.S
Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio is a board-certified neurosurgeon that specializes in Neurosurgery, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) and more. He is the Director of Neurosurgery and Co-Director of the Gamma Knife Program at The Valley Hospital. Dr. D’Ambrosio is an expert in treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia, benign or malignant brain tumors, as well as many other neurological conditions.

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