Pain Treatment

Treating Pain
Just as there are many kinds of pain, there are a variety of approaches to treatment. These range from medication and/or physical therapy to more sophisticated procedures, such as therapeutic injections into points that trigger pain and electrical spinal cord stimulation. 

The number of required visits and treatments also varies. If a therapeutic nerve block is prescribed, treatment may include a series of injections.  Physical therapy may require visits over an extended period of time.

When you arrive at St. Mary’s Medical Center, please check in at Patient Registration. You will then be directed to the pain center. An anesthesiologist with special training in pain management will do an initial examination and interview. Your medical records, laboratory tests or x-rays will also be reviewed. The anesthesiologist will make a working diagnosis and discuss therapeutic options, including potential benefits and risks of treatment alternatives. Frequently, treatment begins during the initial visit.
 
Additional information may be needed to establish a diagnosis. Tests may be ordered or referrals made to a consultant. These consultants will help establish a diagnosis and assist with a variety of treatment options as needed. The pain center will inform your physician of your diagnosis and care plan.

There is an initial consultation fee for evaluation and examination by the anesthesiologist. Additional fees are charged if treatment is performed. Other charges depend on individual services required. Insurance coverage and deductible requirements should be determined by the patient with their plan representative.