Care for union members and working New Yorkers
A work-related neck or back condition can affect mobility, independence, and the ability to perform a physically demanding job. Dr. Andrew Merola welcomes union members, tradespeople, public-service workers, drivers, health-care workers, warehouse employees, and others whose livelihoods depend on physical function.
Every patient is evaluated individually. No affiliation with any union is implied, and being a union member does not determine diagnosis, treatment, coverage, or claim status.
Direct evaluation by Dr. Merola
Dr. Merola takes the history, performs the examination, and reviews the imaging himself. The visit connects the diagnosis and neurologic findings to the tasks the patient actually performs, including lifting, carrying, climbing, driving, overhead work, prolonged sitting, vibration, repetitive movement, and emergency duties.
Dr. Merola is an authorized New York Workers' Compensation Board provider, authorization 189354-4.
What the medical visit can address
- The likely diagnosis and whether the symptoms match the imaging and examination
- Appropriate non-surgical treatment and when surgery may be considered
- Neurologic findings, functional limits, and medically appropriate activity restrictions
- Work status in relation to the actual demands of the individual job
- A surgical second opinion when an operation has been proposed
The office does not use this website to promise coverage, benefits, claim outcomes, authorization speed, or return-to-work dates.
What to bring
- MRI, CT, and X-ray images or access links, plus the written reports
- Prior treatment records, operative reports, and therapy or pain-management notes
- A current medication list and relevant medical history
- A practical description of the job: lifting, driving, climbing, tools, posture, repetition, and schedule
- Claim or insurance information requested by the office for scheduling
Spine procedures for work-related conditions
Surgery is considered only when the examination and imaging identify a problem an operation can address and the likely benefit justifies the risks. Dr. Merola performs the recommended operation personally.
Microdiscectomy
Minimally invasive decompression for selected patients with herniated-disc nerve pain.
Learn more →Lumbar Laminectomy
Decompresses lumbar nerves crowded by spinal stenosis to improve leg symptoms and walking tolerance.
Learn more →ACDF
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for nerve or cord compression in the neck.
Learn more →Cervical Disc Replacement
Replaces a damaged neck disc while preserving motion at the treated level.
Learn more →Posterior Lumbar Fusion
Stabilizes the lower spine from the back, often with decompression when nerves are compressed.
Learn more →Spinal Fracture Stabilization
Protects the spinal cord and restores stability or alignment after selected cervical, thoracic, or lumbar fractures.
Learn more →Official claim and benefit guidance
The New York Workers' Compensation Board publishes information about reporting injuries, filing, benefits, coverage, and claim procedures at wcb.ny.gov. Questions about a claim's legal or administrative status should be directed to the Board or a qualified legal professional.
Why patients choose Dr. Merola
- More than 30 years and over 20,000 patients treated across cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine care
- Every patient meets Dr. Merola in person. He reads your imaging himself and performs every operation personally
- Conservative care first. Surgery is reserved for clear indications
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Fellow of the Scoliosis Research Society, affiliations with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell
- Authorized New York Workers' Compensation Board provider, authorization 189354-4
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Merola see union members?
Yes. Dr. Merola welcomes union members and other working New Yorkers. No affiliation with any union is implied, and each patient is evaluated individually.
Is Dr. Merola authorized by the New York Workers' Compensation Board?
Yes. Dr. Merola is an authorized New York Workers' Compensation Board provider, authorization 189354-4.
What should I bring to a work-related spine evaluation?
Bring available imaging and reports, prior treatment records, a current medication list, and a clear description of the physical demands of your job. Bring claim or insurance information requested by the office for scheduling.
Can the visit address work status and restrictions?
The medical evaluation can address work status and activity restrictions when clinically appropriate. Recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, examination, imaging, treatment plan, and actual job demands.
Does this website determine coverage or claim status?
No. Coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, claim status, and procedural requirements are determined outside this website. Consult the New York Workers' Compensation Board or a qualified legal professional for official guidance.
Additional reading
Trusted sources for going deeper. These sites are independent of the practice.
- New York Workers' Compensation BoardInformation for Injured Workers
Official New York guidance for injured workers.
- wcb.ny.govNew York Workers' Compensation Board
Official Board forms, resources, and claim information.