Frequently Asked Questions

For your first visit to Arizona Pain Treatment Centers

Q. WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON MY FIRST VISIT?

A. 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, typically on your second visit.

Q. DO I NEED TO COME EARLY?

A. Yes. You will be asked to arrive approximately 45 minutes 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 the home page, click on Downloads and click on "Patient forms."

Q. SHOULD I SEND RECORDS OF PAST TREATMENT?

A. Yes. Medical records will help the physician to establish a diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment options. These records may be mailed, faxed to 602-265-8151 or hand-delivered to our office.

General Medical Questions

Q. ARE PAIN MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED AT THE CLINIC?

A. 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.

Q. SHOULD I CONTINUE IN PHYSICAL THERAPY WHILE UNDERGOING TREATMENT?

A. Our philosophy at AZPTC is that physical therapy is an integral part of the treatment process. It is incorporated into each treatment plan because it accelerates the recovery of the musculoskeletal system and restores the function of our patients.

Q. WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS ARE TREATED AT THE CLINIC?

A. 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, headaches and carpal-tunnel syndrome. 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.

Q. WILL TREATMENT "CURE" ME?

A. 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 or that slowing the degeneration with appropriate treatment isn't viable.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TREATMENT DOES NOT WORK?

A. 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 hundreds 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

Q. WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE OFFICE VISIT AND TREATMENT?

A. 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.

Q. DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO BE SEEN?

A. 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.

Q. WILL YOU BILL MY INSURANCE COMPANY?

A. 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 602-265-8800.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PHYSICIANS ARE NOT ON MY PLAN?

A. 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.

Q. DO I HAVE TO MAKE A CO-PAYMENT EVERY TIME I COME IN, OR WILL YOU BILL ME?

A. 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.

Q. WILL YOU ACCEPT LIENS?

A. 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.

Q. ARE PROCEDURES PERFORMED IN THE OFFICE?

A. Most of our interventional procedures are performed in our ambulatory 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, are performed in the office.

Q. SHOULD I TAKE MY REGULAR MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE?

A. You will be given specific pre-op instructions at the office visit in which your procedure is ordered by the physician.

Q. DO I NEED SOMEONE TO DRIVE ME?

A. Yes. You may be given medications during the procedure that impair driving function.

Q. AM I PUT TO SLEEP FOR MY PROCEDURE?

A. No. We use conscious sedation.

Q. HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

A. 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.