For Referring Providers

Refer a Patient.

Name: Referring Providers | Dr. Erik Gerlach — Indianapolis Spine Surgeon
Creator: Erik Gerlach, M.D.

Erik Gerlach, M.D. accepts referrals from primary care and specialty physicians for patients with spine complaints that warrant a specialist evaluation — and sends every patient back to your care with a clear plan and direct correspondence.

Start a Referral Online

Send a referral request.

Tell us who you are and why you’re referring — our team calls you back within one business day to collect patient details and get the visit scheduled.

Why we don’t ask for patient information here

To keep protected health information off the open web, this form collects your contact details only. Patient information is exchanged by phone or through your usual secure channels.

Prefer to call? (317) 893-1250 — ask for the referral coordinator.

Your name *

Your role (optional)

Practice / clinic *

Best callback number (phone or email required)

Email (phone or email required)

Reason for referral *

Urgency *

Best time to call (optional)

Anything else? (no patient identifiers, please)

Please share clinical details only as needed; our team will call to collect patient information securely.

I understand this form is for my contact details and the reason for referral only, and that patient information will be exchanged by phone or through secure channels. *

Who to Refer

When a spine consult is the right next step.

A referral is appropriate any time a patient’s spine complaint has moved beyond what conservative management in a primary care setting can address, including:

Persistent radiculopathy

Arm or leg pain, numbness, or weakness that follows a nerve pattern and has not resolved with initial conservative care.

Signs of myelopathy

New changes in gait, balance, or hand coordination that raise concern for spinal cord compression.

Spinal deformity

Scoliosis or other curvature and alignment concerns in a growing or aging spine.

Failed prior spine surgery

A patient whose symptoms persisted or returned after a previous spine operation and needs a fresh evaluation.

Suspected tumor or trauma

A suspected spinal tumor or an acute traumatic injury to the spinal column that needs specialist assessment.

What to Send

Helping the first visit count.

Sending the following ahead of the appointment helps the initial consultation move efficiently and lets Dr. Gerlach walk in already familiar with the case:

Relevant imaging — MRI, CT, and/or X-ray of the affected region, along with the radiology report.
Prior clinic notes — relevant office visit notes documenting the history and course of the complaint.
Treatment history — a summary of what conservative care has already been tried, including physical therapy, medication, or injections.
Operative reports — for revision cases, records from any prior spine surgery.

What You Can Expect

A partner in your patient’s care.

Referring physicians stay in the loop from the first visit forward:

Timely evaluation — referred patients are seen and assessed promptly at the Carmel or Greenwood office.
Direct correspondence — findings, assessment, and the recommended plan are communicated back to the referring provider.
A non-operative-first philosophy — patients are not automatically routed to surgery; non-surgical options are considered whenever appropriate before an operation is discussed.

How to Refer

Call the office to start a referral.

Referring offices can reach the Indiana Spine Group team directly by phone to coordinate scheduling, Monday through Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.

(317) 893-1250

View both office locations