What exactly is the pain management specialty?

Pain management is a medical specialty that has been growing in recent years with the increased awareness on the part of medical doctors and others in the medical community of the role and value of treating pain. The field is predominantly filled with anesthesiologists, although in recent years, rehabilitation doctors and others have sought to be trained in this field.

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Do I have to pay a large deductible for the procedures?

For in-office procedures, the cost to you is generally less expensive than a similar procedure done in a surgical facility or hospital. However, the fees you face depend on your individual insurance plan. For questions about your individual circumstances, please call our billing department with any questions.

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Are these procedures covered by insurance, and if so, what types of insurance are accepted at the clinic?

Yes, these procedures are generally covered by insurance. Please note that individual policies vary in their coverage of certain procedures. The clinic accepts the majority of private insurance carriers with indemnity, PPO and HMO plans, such as Aetna™, Blue Cross/Blue Shield™, United Healthcare™, Cigna™, and Humana™, as well as other private insurances. We also treat injured workers with worker's compensation and accept Medicare patients.

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I'm scared of a procedure not working. What if that happens?

At BANC Texas, we know that trusting new doctors with your pain management strategy can be daunting. With nearly three decades of clinical experience, our doctors will assess all possible causes of your pain to get to the root of your problem, which is why the procedures we perform provide the majority of our patients with significant relief. However, if a procedure does not seem to be improving your condition, rest assured that we prioritize open patient-doctor communication. Our team will listen to your needs and rethink your next steps. This may involve further procedures to isolate the cause of the pain, additional testing, or referring you to another specialist to make sure you get the care you need.

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What should I expect on my first visit to BANC?

Your first visit will begin with a comprehensive examination of your medical history and a physical examination. At the conclusion of the visit, your physician will discuss your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan. This could involve minor procedures such as a cortisone injection or a nerve or joint block, or further studies. Please note that it is rare for a procedure to be performed during the first visit, as your pain physician needs to review all medical records and radiology reports to create a precise treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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What treatments do you generally prescribe?

Treatments range from the simple to the complex, but we know that the source of each person's pain is different and requires an individualized approach and out of the box thinking for maximum efficacy. Sometimes, something as simple as exercise and weight reduction may be helpful but sometimes medications and procedures and even implanted devices may be necessary depending on the complexity of your pain problem. A lot of our patients undergo minor procedures that involve in-clinic cortisone shots done under x-ray guidance and joint or nerve blocking with local anesthetics, with some sedation, that treat the affected areas. The worst pain may require implanted devices such as spinal cord stimulators. Also, implantable pumps that contain morphine or other substances, which are delivered into the spinal fluid by a catheter, may be effective. These procedures are done as out-patient surgeries.

 

I've been experiencing ongoing pain for a while—can my pain ever get better?

BANC is confident that we can help. There are various treatments available that can help you manage and reduce your pain symptoms, thereby improving your quality of life. The treatment process involves a combination of diagnosis, which may include imaging studies, lab work, and consultations with other specialists, followed by a tailored treatment plan. It is important for you to actively participate in your care, adhere to your treatment plan, and have realistic expectations about your progress while never losing hope.

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What types of pain does BANC treat?

Our pain physicians specialize in treating a variety of pain conditions, including spinal problems such as low back and neck pain, cancer pain, nerve injury pain syndromes, and pain related to headaches and stroke.

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What qualifications should a pain physician have?

A qualified pain physician should hold a diploma from the American Board of Medical Specialties, specifically from a specialty board such as the American Board of Anesthesiology. This certification ensures that the physician has undergone at least one year of specialized training and is equipped to manage pain-related matters effectively.

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What's the cause of my pain?

Pain is a complex experience that may be caused by injury to nerves, tissues, bones, discs, joints, tendons, or ligaments. Pain signals are transmitted through the nervous system to the brain, where they are processed and interpreted. It can result in an unpleasant condition that varies in duration and severity, and may also involve emotional strain.

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What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Acute pain is short-lived, usually lasting from 0 to 6 months, while chronic pain lasts beyond 6 months. Chronic pain is often more challenging to diagnose and treat than acute pain.​