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FAQs

What should I bring with me when I come for an appointment?

When you come for your appointment please remember to obtain and bring the following:

Physician Consultation Request FormClick here to download printable format

If you need to cancel an appointment, please telephone the office during business hours and allow at least 1 day’s notice so that we can offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list.

We recognize that your time is valuable, and we make every effort to run on time. Occasionally emergencies or patients require a little more time, and these cause scheduling delays beyond our control. We apologize if we keep you waiting.

Do you prescribe pain medications?

One of our goals is to provide relief that eliminates the need for pain medications; we may provide non-opiate medications or provide recommendations for supplements/vitamins/nutraceuticals, or other modalities (e.g. topical creams/gels, TENS/NMES, braces,etc.)

Do you see patients who have been in auto or work-related accidents?

Yes. Automobile and work-related injuries are a common cause of chronic spine pain and are very effectively diagnosed and treated by our physicians.

What do you mean by “Interventional Pain Management” ?

“Interventional Pain Management” means that meticulously performed minimally invasive interventions (procedures) are a key component in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient’s pain.

What is “Minimally Invasive”?

“Minimally Invasive” simply means that a procedures is done percutaneously (through the skin). Percutaneous procedures involve the introduction of very small needles or needle-like instruments, and normally do not require stitches afterwards. This approach means that the risk of infection and complications, while still present, is minimized.

How are the procedures you perform different from the other injections I have gotten at another practice or physician?

Injections performed are used for a combination of diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These injections require precise placement of specific medications at the structures that are suspected to cause pain. These procedures require specialized techniques and imaging equipment to assure pinpoint accuracy, and are performed in a state-of-the-art, procedure suite to provide appropriate safeguards against infection.

How long are the procedures?

All of our procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, commonly referred to as an “outpatient procedure”. Although most procedures are relatively short, a patient spends approximately 1- 3 hours at our facility on the day of a procedure, for both safety as well as a careful evaluation after the procedure is critical for a successful diagnostic impression.

Do I need a referral?

Most patients are referred by physicians or other non-physician healthcare providers who are familiar with the services we provide. Our field is highly specialized and some physicians and other providers may not be familiar with either the field in general, or our medical-based approach. This means that the patient must sometimes ask their provider for a referral. Patients and/or their family members/friends are welcome to contact us directly.

Is what you do experimental?

Yes and No.

For purposes of clarity, procedures performed by our physicians are recognized by numerous specialty societies, as well as the American Medical Association, and have been demonstrated to be safe and effective when performed appropriately.

Regenerative medicine, including but not exclusive of Prolotherapy, although effective and used for many years and in numerous, varied, medical, orthopedic, spine, and neurologic conditions are considered experimental by various insurance carriers (however, there are Workman's Compensation carriers in Virginia that may consider coverage of these procedures, on a case by case basis). As a result, these procedures are normally non-insurance covered, and are considered self pay treatment therapy options.

How do I make an appointment/get treatment?

The easiest way is to have your physician or other non-physician healthcare provider make a referral. Asking your physician’s office to send records or studies pertinent to your spine and pain history can help to expedite the process. Our staff review all referrals to be sure that the patients we see are good candidates for the services we provide. If necessary, either our staff or physicians may contact your referral source with questions about your problems. Patients and/or their family members/friends are welcome to contact us directly regarding questions about access to our services. Please note that our staff cannot answer medical questions.

What do I do if I need to travel to Northern Virginia?

We have experience in caring for patients from all over the United States and other countries. Diagnostic and subsequent treatment may require several visits, which can often be scheduled on successive days to minimize time away from home or work. We can also assist by providing directions, finding lodging, etc.

Does the practice accept my insurance?

Our practice contracts with various insurance planes, including Governmental, Commercial, as well as Workers' Compensation. Please contact us if you have any questions to ensure that we are in-network with your insurance carrier. We presently do not accept a Letter of Protection from your Attorney.

Direct payment is an option via major credit cards or money order. We presently do not offer payment plans.

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