Your initial consultation will involve a history of your problem, a physical examination and a review of your medical and surgical background. After a working diagnosis is established, treatment options will be discussed in great detail. DO I NEED TO COME EARLY?
Yes. You will be asked to arrive approximately one-half hour before your appointment with the Doctor so that our intake forms can be completed. For your convenience, these forms may be downloaded from our website. Go to "contact us" and click on "intake forms." SHOULD I SEND RECORDS OF PAST TREATMENT?
Yes. Medical records will help the Physician to establish a diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment options. These records may be mailed, faxed to 480-563-8009 or hand-delivered to our office.
General Medical Questions
ARE PAIN MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED AT THE CLINIC?
Opioid medications may be prescribed at our Clinic. However, a
full consultation with the Physician is required, including review of
all previous medical treatment and medications. If opioid medications
are prescribed, the patient is usually asked to be seen on a monthly
basis according to Arizona Board of Medical Examiner guidelines.
SHOULD I CONTINUE IN PHYSICAL THERAPY WHILE UNDERGOING TREATMENT?
Normally
physical therapy is suspended until adequate pain control is achieved.
However, we feel strongly that rehabilitation is an important component
to full recovery and reduction of chronic pain symptoms.
WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS ARE TREATED AT THE CLINIC?
Our Physicians are experienced in evaluating and treating both
the most common and complicated pain problems. Some of the pain
syndromes typically seen at the Clinic include back pain, sciatica,
reflex sympathetic dystrophy, intervertebral disc disease, neck pain,
whiplash and headaches. Basically, we will evaluate any type of pain
problem and if we can't offer treatment, we will make a referral to the
appropriate specialist.
WILL TREATMENT "CURE" ME?
Many pain problems are caused by chronic degenerative changes.
In many cases, these changes, such as arthritis or degenerative discs,
are irreversible. However, this does not mean that the patient must
suffer with ongoing pain symptoms.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TREATMENT DOES NOT WORK?
Since
this is medicine, we cannot offer a complete guarantee that treatment
will reduce your pain. However, we have tremendous experience in this
field and our Physicians have performed literally thousands of these
procedures with outstanding results. Of added comfort is the knowledge
that none of the procedures offered in our Clinic will ever worsen your
pain.
Health Insurance Questions
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE OFFICE VISIT AND TREATMENT?
Most insurance carriers cover consultations and treatment at the Clinic. Before a procedure our office will obtain proper authorization, if required. However, it is ultimately the patient's responsibility to verify benefits and coverage. It may be best to call your insurance company for further information.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO BE SEEN?
This typically applies only to HMO patients who have a designated primary care physician. Please check with your carrier to see if this requirement applies to your particular plan.
WILL YOU BILL MY INSURANCE COMPANY?
Yes. We will bill your primary insurance as a courtesy, but you will be responsible for any co-pays, co-insurance amounts and deductibles. These figures can be obtained from our Billing Dept. at 480-505-4208.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PHYSICIANS ARE NOT ON MY PLAN?
Many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits that will allow you to be seen at our clinic. You may also be seen as a private pay patient and our billing dept will be happy to arrange a payment plan, if necessary.
DO I HAVE TO MAKE A CO-PAYMENT EVERY TIME I COME IN, OR WILL YOU BILL ME?
In order for our Clinic to comply with the insurance carrier contract, it is necessary that the co-pay be collected at each and every office visit. We do not bill for co-pays, so please bring this nominal amount with you for each visit. We accept cash, checks and credit cards.
WILL YOU ACCEPT LIENS?
Yes, if certain conditions are met. We will need to contact your attorney and have a signed lien prior to the first appointment.
Questions About Interventional Procedures
ARE PROCEDURES PERFORMED IN THE OFFICE?
Most
of our interventional procedures are performed at our surgery center.
This ensures the highest level of medical care and greatly reduces
potential complications. Some of the smaller procedures, such as
trigger point injections, may be performed in the office.
SHOULD I TAKE MY REGULAR MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE?
Usually you can take all of your regular medications. However,
if you are on a blood thinner such as coumadin or plavix, it is
essential that you notify the physician. Additionally, we ask that all
anti-inflammatory medications be discontinued one week prior to the
procedure.
DO I NEED SOMEONE TO DRIVE ME?
Yes.
We typically allow the patient to have valium for relaxation and may
also give additional medications during the procedure. This makes it
dangerous for a patient to drive before or after the procedure.
AM I PUT TO SLEEP FOR MY PROCEDURE?
No. But to make you comfortable we typically use IV sedation, and you may not remember the procedure.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
Most
of our interventional procedures are 15 minutes or less, but
registration, check-in, nursing evaluation and post-procedural care
usually make the entire stay anywhere from 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
Insurance Plans Accepted at Arizona Pain Specialists
CURRENT INSURANCE LIST FOR ARIZONA PAIN SPECIALISTS AETNA CIGNA BCBS OF AZ COVENTRY FIRST HEALTH GALAXY HEALTHNET LIFEWISE MEDICARE SCHALLER ANDERSON UNITED HEALTH STATE WORKMAN’S COMP AZ FOUNDATION BEECHSTREET MERCY CARE TRICARE MULTIPLAN/PHCS/ADMAR HUMANA
Please Note: This list is updated on a regular basis.However, since there is much ongoing change in the health insurance industry, please contact our billing office at 480-505-4208 for the most up-to-date information concerning health plans accepted at Arizona Pain Specialists.
Arizona Pain Specialists 9787 N. 91st Street, Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85258
