For Patients
Helpful Patient Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my injection hurt?
A needle will be used to give you your injection both to numb the area where the injection will be targeted and then another needle; a “spinal needle” will be used to administer your medication. Some patients describe the feeling of the injection of the numbing medicine as a “pinch,” and the administration of the actual medication as “pressure”; however, all patient perceptions are different. We do make every effort to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Will I be put to sleep for my procedure?
There are a few procedures that are done in the surgery center that require more than the usual local anesthetic, and for these procedures we use what is known as “conscious sedation.” For this type of anesthesia an IV will be placed in your arm prior to your procedure and you will be given medication through the IV just prior to the start of the procedure. Technically, you are not “asleep” for the procedure but rather very relaxed and able to respond to the doctor or nurse as needed during the procedure. For this sedation, you will be required not to eat or drink at least six hours prior to the start of the procedure and a responsible driver must accompany you.
Does the practice prescribe narcotic medications?
Every referral to our practice is individually assessed for a treatment plan that will best meet their needs. Our practice prides itself on the use of interventional procedures and is staffed with two board-certified physicians in anesthesiology and pain management and a physician assistant with significant pain management expertise. A narcotic prescription is an individualized decision that is made case by case.
I’m afraid to have an epidural seroid injection. Can I be paralyzed, and what are the risks?
As with all invasive medical procedures, there are potential risks. Generally, however, there are few risks associated with epidural steroid injections and they tend to be rare. Risks may include:
- Infection – At the injection site or systemic.
- Bleeding – Bleeding is a rare complication and is more common for patients with underlying bleeding disorders.
- Nerve damage – While extremely rare, nerve damage can occur from direct trauma from the needle or secondarily from infection or bleeding.
- Dural puncture (“wet tap”) – A dural puncture occurs in 0.5% of injections. It may cause a post-dural puncture headache (also called a spinal headache) that usually gets better within a few days. The physician may determine that a blood patch may be necessary to alleviate the headache.
What kind of injections do you perform?
Depending on your visit, if being seen in our clinic you may be given a bedside treatment of trigger point injections; joint injections; knee, shoulder and/or greater occipital nerve block; or you may be referred to return for a visit to our adjacent surgery center for an epidural steroid injection.
Do you use steroids?
We do use steroids when indicated to provide a desired treatment response, but we use them at the lowest dose possible to reach a desired therapeutic response.
If I decide to get an epidural steroid injection, how long can I expect it to work, or provide relief for me?
Response to treatment varies patient to patient, and sometimes more than one epidural is needed to achieve the desired outcome in a treatment plan. Some patients experience relief from symptoms for weeks to months and even up to a year or more following epidural injection(s). The severity of the disease process or injury impacts response to treatment.
Our Patient Bill of Rights summary
- To expect to be treated with respect, consideration and dignity by competent personnel.
- To be assured confidential treatment of disclosure of records and afforded the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such information, except as otherwise permitted by law or requirements by contract for third-party payments.
- To have access to the information contained in patient’s medical records, unless access is specifically restricted by the attending practitioner for medical reasons.
- To expect consideration of privacy concerning patient’s own medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are considered confidential and shall be conducted discreetly with other caregivers directly responsible for patient’s care.
- To know the name and function of any person from this facility who is providing healthcare services to the patient.
- To know what ambulatory surgery facility rules and regulations apply to patient’s conduct. This information is available at the reception desk.
- To expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay.
- To expect good-quality care and high professional standards that are continually maintained and reviewed.
- To know names and professional relationships of other physicians who may render care in the absence of the attending physician.
- To be provided, to the degree known, information concerning patient’s diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information will be made available to an appropriate person on patient’s behalf.
- To request a second opinion regarding proposed treatment options.
- To expect reasonable continuity of care and to know the time and location of appointments.
- To have all patient’s rights apply to the person who may have legal responsibility to make decisions regarding medical care on behalf of the patient.
Appointments
We can help you with scheduling, insurance or anything else you need during your treatment. For an appointment by referral, please call 814.940.2000 or use our convenient online referral form.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please tell us in advance. We will be glad to reschedule a more favorable time for you. We appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to seeing you.
New Patient Forms
Once your physcian has made your initial referral to our office, you can click on the links below to download your new patient forms. Please print and complete the forms prior to your arrival. This will speed up your registration.
- To expect to be treated with respect, consideration and dignity by competent personnel.
- To be assured confidential treatment of disclosure of records and afforded the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such information, except as otherwise permitted by law or requirements by contract for third-party payments.
- To have access to the information contained in patient’s medical records, unless access is specifically restricted by the attending practitioner for medical reasons.
- To expect consideration of privacy concerning patient’s own medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are considered confidential and shall be conducted discreetly with other caregivers directly responsible for patient’s care.
- To know the name and function of any person from this facility who is providing healthcare services to the patient.
- To know what ambulatory surgery facility rules and regulations apply to patient’s conduct. This information is available at the reception desk.
- To expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay.
- To expect good-quality care and high professional standards that are continually maintained and reviewed.
- To know names and professional relationships of other physicians who may render care in the absence of the attending physician.
- To be provided, to the degree known, information concerning patient’s diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information will be made available to an appropriate person on patient’s behalf.
- To request a second opinion regarding proposed treatment options.
- To expect reasonable continuity of care and to know the time and location of appointments.
- To have all patient’s rights apply to the person who may have legal responsibility to make decisions regarding medical care on behalf of the patient.
Insurance Coverage
We accept most insurance plans. Please call us to verify whether or not we accept a particular insurance company’s coverage.
Billing and Financial questions
Please call us if you have any questions regarding an invoice or other billing matter. We are happy to assist you.
Don’t live with continuous pain at every step. Have your primary-care physician call Allegheny Pain Managment today at 814.940.2000, or have them use our convenient online referral form to schedule your consultation.