The information contained here is not
intended as a substitute for professional
medical evaluation and management. It
should be used only as a starting point for
further research. A physician should always
be consulted for any health problem.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PROCEDURE
Q: What types of procedures do you
perform at PainCare?
A: Our interventional specialists perform
minimally invasive, needle-, or
band-aid procedures. In general, these
procedures do not require surgical incision or
general anesthesia. Ample local anesthetic
and in some cases intravenous sedatives help
make treatment procedures well tolerated.
Q: Where are the procedures performed?
A: Most of the procedures are performed
on-site at PainCare Surgicenter, a fully AAAHC
and Medicare accredited facility . PainCare
Surgicenter performs only pain treatment
procedures - unlike other mixed-use surgery
centers and hospitals, where various types
of cases, both clean and dirty, are performed
daily and in adjacent suites.
PainCare utilizes the most advanced equipment
(such as GE's OEC imaging equipment) optimized for interventional pain treatment.
The combination of our specialized
equipment and staff help us provide the safest,
most convenient and effective treatments for our
patients.
Q: How long will
the procedure take?
A: Most of the procedures take less than 30
minutes, depending on the type of
procedure and the patient's specific condition.
In general, most of the patients are in and out
of our facility within one hour.
Q: Will I need a
ride?
A: Yes and no. We encourage our
patients to have a ride available, especially the first
time. The only time we do require a ride
home is if the patient receives an IV sedative,
or if the procedure will produce temporary numbness or
weakness in the legs.
Q: Are the procedures painful?
A: With
local anesthesia, most patients find most of the
procedures easily
tolerated. A sedative is rarely needed. However,
if a patient is anxious or is unusually fearful
of needles, a sedative can be given.
Q: Should I stop my
blood thinner?
A: Blood thinners
such as Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin and Ticlid are
given to patients at risk for forming blood
clots. Please make sure to inform your
PainCare doctor if you are taking a blood thinner.
You will be instructed on what to do based on
your individual situation.
Do not stop
your blood thinner on your own prior to
receiving instructions.
While most physicians do
not think it is necessary to discontinue
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such
as Motrin and Naprosyn, some may require you to
stop aspirin products for up to 14 days
before a procedure. Again, you will be
instructed by your doctor.
Q: What should I do with my other
medications?
A: You may continue to take the rest of your
medications as you normally do.
Q: What should I wear?
A: You should wear loose and comfortable
clothes.
Q:
Is the procedure covered by my insurance?
A:
Almost all procedures are covered by insurances. In
addition we are providers for Bristol Park
Medical Group,
Monarch Healthcare, Mission Hospital Affiliated Physicians, COMP and other health plans and
groups. Health plans vary greatly in terms
of deductibles and co-pays; our office will
assist you in determining your insurance
coverage.
Q: What can I do following my
injections?
A: You will receive complete post-discharge
instructions from our nurses after your
procedure. In general, we advice rest and
minimal physical activity for the rest of the
day. In general patients may return to
baseline activity within 24 to 48 hours after
the procedure.
Q: How often can I have a steroid
injection?
A: In general, steroid injections are quite
safe when given less than 3 times every 6
months.
Q: How long does the relief from
injection procedures last?
A: While most patients do well, some
patients, especially those with severe
conditions, may not experience much improvement.
The results can vary widely, ranging from
temporary relief to long-term complete pain
resolution. Unfortunately, there is as yet
no definitive way to predict how each individual
patient will respond to treatment.
Q: What if the procedure doesn't
help?
A: PainCare is a full service pain center
that offers multiple treatment options.
Medications and rehabilitation treatments are
some of the alternatives.
PainCare physicians maintain staff privileges
at local hospitals and work closely with
specialists in Neurology, Neurosurgery,
Orthopedics etc. - consulting with each other as
needed.
If surgery is needed, and inescapable, you
will be referred to the most qualified
specialists in the community, or elsewhere in
the country, through our preferred referral
list.
Q & A on Epidural Cortisone
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