Business Details
25 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Neurosurgery Partner in Bristol, TN
Highlands Neurosurgery is a private practice dedicated to delivering advanced neurosurgical care with a focus on spinal health. Established in 2001, our team of board-certified neurosurgeons brings decades of combined experience in treating complex neurological conditions. We specialize in minimally invasive techniques and spinal fusion surgery, leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure precision and optimal patient outcomes. Our partnership with Appalachian Orthopedics expands our ability to provide comprehensive care for neurosurgical and orthopedic needs. Located within Bristol Regional Medical Center, we serve patients across Tennessee, Virginia, and neighboring states, prioritizing timely evaluation and personalized treatment plans.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous adherence to medical standards and continuous investment in innovative procedures. We actively collaborate with referring physicians and employers to streamline care for workers' compensation cases, ensuring seamless access to diagnostics and rehabilitation. With 24/7 emergency support and a multidisciplinary team including physiatrists and physician assistants, we address both surgical and non-surgical needs. Our practice emphasizes patient education through resources like animated procedural guides, empowering informed decision-making. Recognized nationally for excellence in neurosurgery, we remain dedicated to advancing care while maintaining a patient-centric approach.
Services
Spinal Fusion
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Brain Tumor Treatment
Herniated Disc Surgery
Neurological Rehabilitation
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Board-certified neurosurgeons with over 20 years of experience in spinal surgery
- Advanced technology for minimally invasive procedures
- 24/7 emergency services for urgent care needs
- Comprehensive care for workers' compensation injuries
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs
Services
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain from deformities, injuries, or degenerative conditions. Our board-certified neurosurgeons use advanced techniques to ensure precise alignment and long-term relief. This procedure is ideal for patients with chronic back pain, spinal instability, or nerve compression unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery addresses spinal issues through small incisions, reducing tissue damage, recovery time, and postoperative pain. Our team employs cutting-edge tools like the CyberKnife system for targeted interventions. This approach benefits patients requiring decompression, disc replacement, or tumor removal while minimizing hospital stays and accelerating rehabilitation.
Brain Tumor Treatment
Our practice specializes in diagnosing and surgically treating brain tumors using stereotactic radiosurgery and microsurgical techniques. We collaborate with oncologists to deliver comprehensive care for benign and malignant tumors. Patients receive personalized plans integrating advanced imaging and radiation therapies to maximize outcomes while preserving neurological function.
Herniated Disc Surgery
Herniated disc surgery relieves nerve compression caused by damaged spinal discs through procedures like discectomy or microdiscectomy. Our surgeons prioritize nerve preservation and functional restoration using minimally invasive methods. This service targets patients with persistent pain, numbness, or weakness despite non-surgical therapies.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation supports recovery from surgeries, injuries, or chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Our physiatrist designs tailored programs combining physical therapy, pain management, and diagnostic testing. This service emphasizes restoring mobility, reducing discomfort, and improving quality of life for patients with complex neurological impairments.
People
J. Travis Burt
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Burt is a board-certified neurosurgeon with expertise in spine surgery, fellowship-trained at the American College of Surgeons. He joined Highlands Neurosurgery in 2001 after practicing in Bristol since 1995.
Jody B. Helms
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Helms specializes in neurosurgery and joined Highlands Neurosurgery in 2010. He completed his residency at the University of Tennessee and focuses on advanced spinal and cranial procedures.
Andrew Rice
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Rice joined the practice in 2016, offering expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery. He trained at Georgetown University Hospital and Johns Hopkins University, emphasizing innovative treatment approaches.
William M. Platt
Physiatrist
Dr. Platt provides non-surgical pain management and rehabilitation services. Board-certified in physical medicine, he assists patients recovering from neurosurgical procedures with tailored recovery programs.
Brian K. Killen
Physician Assistant
PA-C Killen supports neurosurgical care with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Licensed in Tennessee, he assists in surgeries and patient management, ensuring comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.
Questions
What services does Highlands Neurosurgery specialize in?
We specialize in spinal fusion, minimally invasive spine surgery, brain tumor treatment, herniated disc repair, and neurological rehabilitation using advanced technology.
Do you accept workers' compensation cases?
Yes, we manage workers' compensation injuries, including evaluations, treatment, and independent medical assessments for spinal and neurological conditions.
Are your neurosurgeons board-certified?
All our neurosurgeons are board-certified, with specialized training in spinal and cranial procedures, ensuring the highest standards of care.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Emergency services are available 24/7.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be made via physician referral, employer coordination, emergency room referral, or self-referral, depending on insurance requirements.
Do you offer second opinions for spine surgery?
Yes, we provide second opinions for spinal surgery to ensure patients explore all treatment options with our expert neurosurgeons.
Reviews (6)
John Williams
Mar 13, 2022
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Will certainly get a second opinion. Compressed nerve shown in MRI with crazy pain down left arm and the good Dr essentially says my complaint " does not add up " sorry Young Dr not all of us are liars. Good Day!
Suzanne Belcher
Nov 02, 2021
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My mom visited Dr. Rice after numerous MRIs and X-rays on her leg, hip and back. She was sent to pain management, given shots but still no relief. The pain continued to get worse and she again visited Dr. Rice. He asked her if she's ever had an MRI on her hip. She explained he had the report already and Dr. Rice slammed the folder shut and said "We'll, I won't be doing surgery on you because you are an 80 year old woman with soft bones".
To make a long story short.after many Dr. appointments, finally the pain became unbearable and we ended up at Holston Valley Medical Center's ER. My mom had a fractured hip which was identified with a CT scan in 10 minutes. Surgery was scheduled for the following day with Dr. Timothy Jenkins. My mom had minimal pain and is now healing. I write this to inform others.speak up!.and doctors- please listen to your patients. Dr. Rice.you missed this one.
To make a long story short.after many Dr. appointments, finally the pain became unbearable and we ended up at Holston Valley Medical Center's ER. My mom had a fractured hip which was identified with a CT scan in 10 minutes. Surgery was scheduled for the following day with Dr. Timothy Jenkins. My mom had minimal pain and is now healing. I write this to inform others.speak up!.and doctors- please listen to your patients. Dr. Rice.you missed this one.
Janie Morelock
Oct 03, 2021
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Dr. Rice was my surgeon for my back in 2020. I just celebrated (and I did celebrate!) my one year anniversary with NO. BACK. PAIN. I cannot praise this man enough. His care, knowledge, and compassion are amazing and his staff as well! I will have a special place in my heart always for this team.
Stacy Norris
Apr 28, 2021
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My husbands neurologist put in a referral for my husband to see these people. Been since March. Still heard nothing. They say that the Doctors only look through referrals in between patients. Well like I said it has been since March. These people must be really busy. I had a Dr appointment yesterday one floor down. So we walked by this office. There was no one there waiting but still hasn't called my husband.
His neurologist called their office and they say it's because he had surgery before! Though they must think we don't understand English a cause they couldn't call him and tell him that. Though the neurologist had told them this is a new situation that occurred after his surgery. Though I guess he is a waste of their time cause they still don't know what a telephone is. I hate when Drs treat you like a number instead of a human.
His neurologist called their office and they say it's because he had surgery before! Though they must think we don't understand English a cause they couldn't call him and tell him that. Though the neurologist had told them this is a new situation that occurred after his surgery. Though I guess he is a waste of their time cause they still don't know what a telephone is. I hate when Drs treat you like a number instead of a human.
Lauren Wheeler
Feb 13, 2021
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Dr Burt and his staff are professional, kind, and prompt. I had been in pain and struggled for months with misdiagnosis. As soon as I had been seen by Dr Burt I was taken care of. Surgery was within the month and I felt great immediately after. So appreciative
Erin Widener
Jan 06, 2021
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The doctors and nurses here are great. Very friendly and informative and they do not rush you like the majority of medical offices do. Can be a little hard to figure out where the office actually is if you have never been there before. So FYI, east entrance of hospital then go to the 4th floor
