Do not make the mistake of selecting just any pain management physician out of desperation to ease your pain. Opting for the wrong one could have negative consequences, such as your level of pain worsening. Doing a little research before you commit to a new doctor is important to ensure the highest level of success in alleviating your discomfort.
Understanding what to look for while choosing a pain management physician can increase the chances of finding one ideal for your situation, someone who is committed to giving you the safest and best help possible. Thankfully, most of the research you need is easily done from your computer or smartphone.
1. Consider how far you want to travel
Only you know how far you can sit in a car or on public transportation before your body starts experiencing an elevated level of pain. Consider this when making your decision about where to go, especially if you feel seeing the pain management physician might be long-term. It may also be important to consider bus schedules and available appointments with a specific office. If an office is nearby but not open when you’d need to take the bus, it won’t be a good fit.
If you depend on someone else for transportation, you’ll also need to make sure they are willing to accommodate travel to and from the pain management clinic. During the first few weeks of your care, you may need to be seen more frequently, which will also factor into your decision-making about the location of your preferred clinic.
2. Get a recommendation from your primary care physician
Chances are you trust your primary physician and their insight. Ask if they have a great recommendation for a pain management doctor.
They likely are happy to provide a recommendation. Then, you can research the recommendations to see if they’re a good fit. Your primary care physician hopefully also has local insights in particular.
While speaking to your primary care physician about the transfer of pain management care to a pain management specialist, it may be a good idea to ask them for a copy of your records as they pertain to your pain care. Your new physician will need this information to help establish you as a patient. If looking for a primary care provider in addition to a pain management specialist, ask the primary physician if they’ve worked with a pain specialist collaboratively before.
3. Review the location specifics
Location specifics can play a big part in whether the pain management physician could be a good option for you. For example,
- What hours/days are they open?
- How long is the typical wait time?
- Is there parking available and/or accessible public transportation?
- How do I contact the staff? What is the general turnaround time I can expect for messages?
Depending on your particular condition and your course of treatment, you may end up spending a significant amount of time at this location. Once you’ve narrowed down the options, you may want to visit each location to see if the atmosphere is pleasant and accommodating with a friendly, helpful staff. If there’s a clinic near you but the office staff isn’t welcoming, it may be worth it to consider a clinic further away that offers more assistance and comfort when you visit.
4. Read online reviews
Online reviews from current and previous clients can often make or break your decision about a specific pain management physician. Look for mentions that the pain management physician is compassionate and empathetic (especially if you are feeling anxious), that they take time to listen to the patient, and do everything possible to help. If the wait time at the office is particularly important to you, see if you can find mentions of that as well.
Online reviews are helpful, but reviews from friends, family members, and acquaintances are also very useful. If someone you know has been working with a pain management specialist they love, consider adding them to your shortlist of options.
5. Ensure they are qualified
A pain management physician has many years of education and training and can have a full bio that says their license is current/valid, but it makes sense to verify.
The Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision search feature for practitioner licensees is a fantastic resource for learning more about the physician.
Contact the office to ask if you can schedule an initial consultation with the physician you’d be working with. When you meet with the physician, ask about their track record working with patients who have pain and/or injuries similar to yours. Ask about the methods of treatment they use, and how successful they’ve been at mitigating patients’ pain levels. You are entrusting your care to this doctor, and asking questions should be okay.
6. Check that they specialize in your type of pain
Not all pain management doctors handle all types of pain cases, so it is essential to find physicians who take on yours. Let’s say you need to see a pain management physician for a sports injury. It is ideal to go to one with extensive knowledge and experience in that area.
Speaking of specializations, review how the pain management physician approaches medication. Is the specialist aware of the effects of opioid medications and the rampant addiction epidemic they’ve caused? Prescribers are recommended to prescribe carefully, including when polypharmacy is involved, which can create compounded issues, especially in older adults.
Talk to the pain management specialists you interview about what approach they take and if they offer alternatives to medications when possible.
Ask about what treatments they offer and if any might work to help reduce your pain. Some options for pain treatments can include epidural steroid injection, radiofrequency ablation, medial branch block, and more.
7. Determine pricing, payment plan, and insurance information
Before you schedule an appointment, get more information from the pain management doctor’s office about pricing and — if applicable — insurance and/or payment plans. You do not want to get done with your appointment only to find out you owe a lot more than you thought, or they do not offer payment plans, or they don’t take your insurance.
Find out all this information, then if it meets your financial circumstances, schedule a consultation. It makes things much easier for you and the office. You may also be able to find the details on the office website (if they have one), but calling might be easier as you can ask questions specific to your situation.
If you have insurance, it is ultimately your responsibility to check that a provider is in-network and to be aware of the amount of your coinsurance. Many doctor’s offices are happy to help you obtain this information, but calling your insurance carrier yourself (or checking the website) is the best way to make sure you won’t get any surprises when you receive your billing statement.
Find your Oklahoma pain management physician today
You do not have to continue to live with your current level of pain that ruins your day. Many pain management physicians, including Dr. Brandon Claflin at Oklahoma Interventional Spine & Pain, want to see you experience as little pain as possible.
If you’ve given other pain management options a try and they haven’t worked for you, don’t be discouraged. Pain management specialists have other therapeutic ways to manage your pain, including targeting the specific nerves that are causing your pain. Working with a pain management specialist can be life-changing and dramatically improve your quality of life. Finding the right one for you is essential for getting the relief you need.
Starting your search today can be the beginning of your healing journey.
