Q: What insurances do you accept?
A: We accept most insurance plans. To verify our participating insurance plans, please contact our office for coverage information.
Q: Should I take my blood pressure medication before a procedure?
A: Yes, you should take your blood pressure medication on the day of your procedure with a small sip of water.
Q: Do I need a driver even if I don’t have sedation?
A: Yes, you could have numbness in your extremities that could affect your ability to drive.
Q: Can my driver leave?
A: Always check with the nurse checking you in. Some procedures are very short, so the patient might be ready to go within the hour.
Q: Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to schedule a new appointment?
A: We accept self-referrals. However, a few insurance companies may require you to get a referral from a physician. Please contact our office to see if your insurance company requires a physician’s referral.
Q: Will I be prescribed medication on my first visit?
A: Our physicians do a comprehensive review of each patient’s medical history before and during the new patient visit. Decisions regarding medication are made on a case by case basis and are solely up to your physician and treatment team. We practice a safe-prescribing approach to treating our patients to protect the welfare of both our patients and the community.
Q: Will I have a procedure done on my first visit?
A: For most visits, we cannot perform procedures on the same day as a clinic visit. However, we reserve procedure appointments in our schedule for new patients depending on urgency. So, you should be able to schedule a procedure within a short period of time of your first visit. However, if you were given instructions that you may receive an injection, be sure to have nothing to eat or drink and bring a driver with you.
Q: What should I expect at my first appointment?
A: A new patient appointment consultation typically lasts one hour but can differ from patient to patient. Your vital signs, (height, weight, blood pressure, etc.) and a comprehensive medical history will be taken. We may also need a blood or urine sample. The doctor will perform a physical examination and discuss your medical history with you to determine the best treatment plan. This may include further testing if a cause of your pain has not been fully established.
Q: When can I expect pain relief?
A: It varies from patient to patient and may depend on many factors, including how long the pain has been there and what is causing the pain. Discuss this with your treatment team.
Q: What does NPO mean and why is it important?
A: NPO means nothing by mouth. Eating before a procedure increases the risk of nausea and vomiting or aspiration pneumonia. Not eating before the procedure makes the sedation safer for you.
Q: Is an IV or sedation necessary for a procedure?
A: Certain procedures do not require IV/ sedation. Depending on the type and length of a procedure you may opt out of sedation.
Q: Can my family member come to my recovery room?
A: Visitors aren’t allowed in recovery in order to protect other patients’ privacy.
Q: What kind of clothes should I wear to my procedure?
A: Loose fitting, comfortable clothes and easy slip on shoes are the preferred clothing. We ask that you don’t wear jewelry as it is difficult to take off and on before and after surgery. If you experience periodic incontinence, please consider wearing adult disposable briefs.