What Happens at a Pain Management Appointment?

Visiting a pain management clinic is not so different from any other outpatient medical appointment. Put simply, you are seeking the help of a healthcare expert to make sure you can live your healthiest and most fulfilling life.

But not all medical appointments are identical. And while you should have no reason to feel anxious or nervous, there are a few things to know that can help make your visit to the pain management clinic as comfortable as possible.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Preparation matters — Make sure your insurance will cover the visit, bring medical records and/or imaging reports related to your condition, prepare a current medication list, and bring your photo ID and insurance card.
• Initial visit flow — The provider will perform an evaluation by asking about the type, location, and duration of your pain, as well as treatments you’ve already tried; then they’ll perform a physical exam (and possibly order further tests) to recommend a treatment plan.
• What to say and not to say – Communicating openly and honestly with your provider is the best way to ensure the most effective care and optimal results. Don’t give vague answers to questions, don’t withhold or omit important details, and while it’s important to be vocal and assertive, don’t self-diagnose; let the professionals do what they do best.
• Follow-through is important — Once you have a treatment plan (medications, therapy, or a procedure), your active participation matters — take medications as directed, attend therapy sessions, do at-home exercises, and communicate with your provider if things aren’t improving.

Table of Contents

• Prepare for your visit
  • Pre-visit checklist
• What to expect at the pain clinic
• What to say and not to say to your pain management doctor
• Following your treatment plan

Prepare for your visit

Before your appointment with a pain management provider, make sure you take the time to prepare. This can help ensure a smooth visit and avoid delays while at the clinic.

Confirm your insurance

First, make sure your insurance will cover the visit. You may have already confirmed this when choosing your pain provider, but if not, make sure you double check. While you’re at it, check to see if your insurance coverage includes a copay for the specific type of visit you are going in for. If it does, prepare to pay your copay on the day of your appointment. You might want to call the clinic to confirm the types of payment options they accept.

Collect your records

Next, gather any past medical records, imaging reports, and test results related to your current pain condition. You may be asked to send this documentation to the clinic in advance of your appointment. If not, bring it with you. This information will go a long way in helping your pain provider diagnose the cause of your pain and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment. Additionally, collecting this information in advance might help you avoid any potential paperwork-related delays the day of your appointment.

Make a medication list

You will also want to prepare a list of any medications you are currently taking. Include the name of the medication, the dosage, and the frequency with which you take each one. Bring this list with you to your appointment and be ready to share it with your pain provider. Bring the original bottles the medication came in as well, as they contain additional helpful details for your care team.

Photo ID & insurance card

Make sure to bring a valid photo ID and current health insurance card with you. Most clinics will require this information before checking you in.

Here is a quick checklist of what to bring to your first appointment

• A valid driver’s license or other form of photo identification
• Your current insurance card(s)
• Your copay, if you have one – COPAYS ARE DUE DAY OF SERVICE
• A list of medications you are currently taking and the original bottles so we can see the dosage, prescriber, and pharmacy
• Any medical records and/or imaging reports related to your condition

What to expect during your visit to a pain management clinic

During your first visit to a pain management clinic, your provider will begin by learning more about you and your medical history. You will be asked to describe the details of your pain, including:

• The type of pain sensation (burning, shooting, throbbing, aching, etc.),
• The severity of the pain and how it is impacting your life (usually measured on a 0-10 scale)
• Where on your body you are feeling pain
• How long you have been experiencing the pain
• What might have caused your pain
• What treatments/remedies you have already tried.

Based on your feedback, medical history, and a physical examination, your provider will recommend an appropriate course of treatment aimed at providing you with optimal pain relief.

In some cases, your provider may want to obtain additional information including lab results and diagnostic tests (e.g. x-ray imaging) to help inform their diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Your recommended treatment may be a minor therapy that is completed right there in the clinic, or a more advanced procedure that will be performed in an outpatient surgery setting.

What to say and what not to say to your pain management doctor

This is a common question among new patients before they go to a pain clinic, and it is understandable. People often worry about saying the wrong thing and making a poor first impression that might impact their care. The truth is, it’s not so much about holding back information, but presenting information in a clear and honest way so you can receive the safest and most effective treatments.

Here are some tips on the best way to communicate with your pain doctor

Provide specific statements

Providing vague statements, such as “everything hurts” or “I have tried EVERYTHING and nothing works.” Offer as many specifics as you can, such as where the pain is located on your body, how severe it is, when and how it began, and how it impacts your life. Your provider will need details in order to properly diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Offer accurate details

You are the only one who truly knows what your pain feels like, so your provider relies heavily on your feedback. Many pain patients are understandably frustrated and impatient with their pain, and it’s common for many to jump right to saying “my pain is a 10 out of 10,” or “my pain is completely unbearable.” Others may downplay their pain, due to embarrassment or a naturally higher pain tolerance. But over or understating your pain levels could result in inaccurate diagnosis. It is important to step back and think through your responses so you give the most accurate information.

Be open and honest

Many patients feel a sense of shyness or embarrassment when asked about their lifestyle and medical history. As a result, certain details may be understated or withheld during an evaluation with a pain doctor. But incomplete information can lead to ineffective or potentially unsafe treatment, so it is essential to be open and up front when answering questions. The clinic is a safe place, and the care team is there to help you, not judge.

Do not self-diagnose

Some patients come to their appointment thinking they know exactly what pain condition they have and what treatment they need. And to an extent, this information can be helpful. After all, a good pain clinician includes the patient in their care and considers patient feedback throughout the treatment process. But remember that you sought treatment at a pain clinic to get professional help for your pain. Be vocal and honest but avoid being overly insistent on your own opinions and telling your provider what to do. Let the professional do what they do best to ensure the best possible outcome.

Following your pain management treatment plan

It’s not just important to know what to expect when visiting a pain management clinic, but what to expect after your visit and diagnosis. Remember why you went to a pain management clinic in the first place. You were in pain and sought the help of an expert.

Well, once that expert has lent their expertise and provided you with a care plan, make sure you follow it diligently. You have a responsibility in this as well after all. Not following your treatment plan can have consequences, such as failure to achieve the relief you were expecting or potentially worsening your condition.

So, if your treatment includes medications, take them exactly as instructed. If you are having physical therapy, attend all your sessions and perform all your prescribed at-home exercises. If you’re having a procedure, closely read and follow all pre-op and post-op instructions.

Communication will also be critical to a successful resolution. Your provider will communicate with you as necessary regarding your care plan. But do not hesitate to contact your provider as well. Be sure to let them know if you are experiencing any side effects of your treatment, if your pain does not improve as expected, or if you have any questions.

It may not always be easy to stay on track, but you owe it to yourself to do this right and get the full benefit of your pain management treatment.