Kootenai Clinic Neurology offers comprehensive patient-centered care for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You may have been referred to our clinic for evaluation of symptoms you are having, an MRI result, or to establish care for an existing diagnosis. Whatever it may be, we want you to know we are here for you.
Center for Comprehensive MS care, Partner in MS Care from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for years 2022-2025
Your care team:
Our Providers
What sets us apart:
Our team provides an individualized approach to MS management, known as a comprehensive care model. In addition to treating MS, comprehensive care focuses on the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of a person living with MS.
Medications used to treat multiple sclerosis (classified as specialty medications by insurance companies) require specialized knowledge and training. We are incredibly fortunate to have a specialty pharmacist at our neurology clinic to help streamline the treatment process. Our pharmacist works directly with patients and your care team to evaluate medications for safety and efficacy, assist with monitoring for drug interactions, and provide medication counseling and information. The pharmacist is also here to navigate complex insurance processes, perform prior authorizations and appeals, identify contracted specialty pharmacies, and aid in copay assistance when needed.
Partners in care:
MS care requires a collaborative effort among many different health care professions: MS nurses, specialty pharmacists, neuroradiologists, infusion services, rehabilitation professionals, primary care providers, palliative care, ophthalmologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, neuropsychologists, and social services.
Conditions treated:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Transverse Myelitis
- Neuromyelitis Spectrum Disorder
- MOG Antibody Disease (MOGAD)
- Optic Neuritis
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
What to expect at your first appointment:
Before your appointment, you may receive a call from one of our MS nurses to ensure we have all necessary records from previous neurologists, imaging, and any other tests. This will help us to make the most of your visit.
For your first appointment, plan for at least two hours. Your clinic visit will start with one of our MS nurses. This will include a timed 25-foot walk administered by our nursing staff. We may also have you complete questionnaires related to your symptoms, these can help us track changes over time.
We will spend time discussing your symptoms and prior tests. Following this, we will perform a detailed neurologic exam. Our goal at the end of the clinic visit is to answer as many questions as we can and create a plan going forward.
What to bring to your clinic visit:
- A bag with all of your medication bottles
- Your completed new patient packet
How to contact us
For questions about your upcoming visit, call Kootenai Clinic Neurology at (208) 625-5100.
The patient portal is a great way to check for test results or other medical history. If you have questions about setting up your patient portal account ask one of our nurses or the front office for assistance.
New neurologic symptoms
It’s important for us to be up-to-date on your condition. Please let us know if you experience new symptoms.
Resources
Kootenai Health Infusion Services
Kootenai Health’s dedicated infusion services center provides IV therapies to deliver medicine, blood products and nourishment to patients in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Kootenai Outpatient Imaging
Our 3T MRI offers the highest level of technology available and is the choice of most universities and academic medical centers. It’s larger and more comfortable than other MRI machines.
Kootenai Health Rehabilitation Services
As one of the largest rehabilitation service providers in our region, our patients benefit from a full spectrum of treatments, procedures, and consultations from a multidisciplinary team of therapists for an individualized and comprehensive care plan.
Injury and Fall Prevention
Register for our Injury Prevention program’s Balance and Fitness class to build strength and endurance.
Palliative Care
Palliative Care provides assists with symptom management, alleviating and preventing suffering, advance care planning and goals of care. To Schedule an appointment call (208) 625-6960.
Billing
Let our financial counseling team help. If you do not have coverage, we can assist you in obtaining medical benefits through federal, state and hospital programs. These programs may help you with your current bill and will help you pay for health needs in the future.
Online Resources
- North Idaho Connections
- MS Action Plan
- National MS Society Treating MS
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
- CanDo MS Center
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Multiple Sclerosis
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
