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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Monday, 20 April 2009 22:33 |
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to see a psychologist?
We believe that pain is treated best with integrated medicine. Integrated medicine means that your mind and body are working together, and restoring your maximum comfort and function requires that your body, nervous system and mind work together as well as possible. Pain is a tough opponent! Just like sports psychologists assist elite athletes and their coaches to improve results in competition, a psychologist, who specializes in pain medicine, helps you and your physicians improve the effectiveness of your treatment(s). Improved treatment allows you to feel better physically, suffer less emotionally, and increase your performance. Even if your pain fails to diminish after the best possible treatment, a pain physiologist will be able to assist in developing strategies to cope with your pain.
Why do I need a physician's referral?
The Integrative Pain Center of Arizona is a consultation service for you and your doctor, not primary medical care. Your physician is an important member of your treatment team and best equipped to determine if you are potentially a successful candidate for treatment at the Pain Center.
Your primary care doctor's knowledge of your condition helps us direct our resources and helps insure that you benefit from our care. Pain is integrated into many injuries and medical conditions. we rely on your physician to determine if you might benefit from intensive and potentially invasive pain care.
While you may return to the Center from time to time for follow-ups, to refill an intrathecal pump, to be directed in guided imagery or repeat nerve blocks, the physicians here at the Pain Center are treating you for your pain. Your primary care doctor will continue to direct your overall medical care.
Will a Pain Center physician serve as a "Workman's Compensation" provider?
Many work related injuries, and their associated disability, are effectively treated by the Integrative Pain Center of Arizona. The first step involves a thorough evaluation. Pain Center physician's can assume the responsibility as a workman compensation provider if your work related injury can benefit from our services. Medical issues may exist from your work related injuries which are outside the Pain Center physician's ordinary scope of practice. This will require referrals to other specialists. The Pain Center will work in conjunction with your other doctors for any medical issues that are unrelated to your injury.
Will the Pain Center complete a request for family medical leave?
The Pain Center physician(s) serve as consultants, but not as primary providers. Your Primary Care Physician will be asked to complete the request. We will provide your PCP with our notes to assist them.
Will Pain Center physicians do an Independant Medical Evaluation (IME)?
Pain Center physicians are here to provide care and treatment for a patient’s pain. Patients may go through the Department of Economic Security (DES), ProActive or Lunda & Associates for Independent Medical Examination's (I.M.E.'s)
Can I get an estimate of future medical costs?
When a patient requests an estimate of future care costs, it is currently done on an as needed basis. If you need an estimate please call us at (520) 797-7246 [797-"PAIN"].
What insurance is accepted by the Pain Center?
Please check with you own insurance company to see if I.P.C.A. services are covered.
Can I volunteer at the Pain Center?
There is a foundation made up of interested parties at the Pain Center. If you are interested in this volunteer groupplease contact us at (520) 797-7246 [797-"PAIN"].
Will my PainCenter doctor become my Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
No. The Pain Center physicians consult on your pain problem. It is very important to maintain your relationship with you primary care physician. Most of the time recommendations are made to your primary care physician (PCP) for treatment regimes.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 23 April 2009 20:00 |
Intergrative Pain Center of Arizona
Copyright © 2009 Integrative Pain Center of Arizona. All Rights Reserved. Photographs Copyright © Michael Malley.
The Right Care at the Right Time Phone: 520 797-7246 fax: 520 795-4249
Frequently Asked Questions
