| FAQs |
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What type of services do you offer? What will happen at my first visit? What should I wear on a day that I have a block? What should I do if I don’t feel well/have a cold right before or on the day of your procedure? Can I eat before the injection? Can I drive myself home after a procedure? Does health insurance cover acupuncture services? Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an acupuncturist? What type of services do you offer? The University of Rochester Pain Treatment Center offers a multimodal approach which includes: physical therapy, behavioral medicine, medications, injections, acupuncture and aqua therapy. Most, but not all of these services are available in our building. What will happen at my first visit? See 'Your first appointment' page. • Expect the entire evaluation to last 2 – 2 ½ hours. You will meet with one or two members of our medical team, including an anesthesiologist or another specialist in pain management, and possibly a member of the behavioral medicine staff. • Recommendation for your future care will be reviewed with you at the end of this appointment. This may include invasive nerve blocks for pain management, physical therapy modalities, and behavior therapies. Please note that the first visit at our practice is solely for the purpose of evaluation of your condition and we do not prescribe medication at the first visit. With some cases, the Pain Center staff may agree to assist the primary care/referring physician by coordinating the pain medication trials for a short-term time frame. A dictated report will be sent to your primary care/referring physician outlining all recommendations. If it is determined that you need regularly scheduled follow-up appointments with the Pain Center, you will be seen by one of our pain specialists, under the supervision of your attending physician. • If you are a member of an HMO, and you have an active referral, you will be responsible for paying the appropriate co-pay on the day of your visit. For all other insurances we will submit to your carrier for services rendered and you will be responsible for any remaining balances. If a specific claim form is necessary, you are responsible for providing that to us. What should I wear on a day that I have a block? Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Pants with elastic or drawstring waist are ideal. Please leave all valuables at home or with a reliable adult accompanying you. A block is a general term used for many of the injections done at the Pain Center. Your physician will provide you with the specific information concerning you care. What should I do if I don’t feel well/have a cold right before or on the day of your procedure? If you have a cold, cough, fever, flu like symptoms, or are on antibiotics for any type of infection you will need to call and reschedule your appointment. Can I eat before the injection? You may have a light meal up to 6 hours before and you may have clear liquids (water, apple juice, carbonated beverages, black coffee and tea) up to 4 hours before your procedure. If you are having a trigger point injection, a synvisc injection or an intrathecal pump refill, you may eat. Can I drive myself home after a procedure? You must have a ride home after your procedure. Transportation must be arranged by you. You may take a taxi or bus, but you need to have an adult with you in case you need assistance. You can expect your procedural visit to last 1 to 2 hours. If you are having a trigger point injection you may drive, but you will have to stay an extra 30 minutes. Does health insurance cover acupuncture services? Many major insurance plans, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Aetna, MVP, etc. cover acupuncture. Most plans cover 10 visits per year with co-pay. Review your insurance plan's benefits with your insurance provider. Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an acupuncturist? No. According to New York State Education Law, Article 160, acupuncturists are independent health care providers; patients do not need a physician referral to receive treatment from a licensed acupuncturist. We use disposable needles only. Needles will not be saved and reused for later treatment. This elimiinates the possibility or transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle |
| Last Updated ( Friday, 16 October 2009 09:23 ) |
