What types of
pain does Vermont Pain Management treat?
VPM
specializes in diagnosing (finding the precise cause of) and
treating chronic pain. We also treat cancer pain and,
sometimes, acute pain.
What types of treatment does Vermont Pain Management provide?
Vermont Pain Management is committed to
providing the highest quality and caring in its service. We
do this utilizing a wide array of modern tools: precision
nerve injections, radiofrequency, physical therapy,
medicines and psychological support. The clinic is state of
the art and is operated by a highly trained, certified and
compassionate staff.
How long will I have to wait for my initial
evaluation?
Patients are generally scheduled
within two weeks for a new evaluation.
What is the procedure for the initial evaluation?
Patients enjoy a relaxed,
personalized experience in a beautiful, convenient location.
We are located on the corner of Dorset Street and Kennedy
drive in South Burlington. Patients receive a welcome
packet in the mail, prior to their visit to fill in at their
leisure thereby reducing waiting time at the office. A
member of the VPM staff will perform your initial
evaluation. Our staff includes nurses and a pain management
specialist. After your initial examination, your doctor will
discuss with you the most effective program for your
problem. Patients are seen and treated on an outpatient
basis. We will keep your family doctor and referring
physician informed of the nature of your treatment and of
your progress.
How do you handle
prescription refills?
VPM is not a
prescription center. We do not take patients into our system
to only write them prescriptions. We approach pain by
seeking to find the underlying cause of the pain problem and
then through a procedural approach working to treat that
cause. Often, this does not involve a prescription so to
speak. If we do put you on a specific medication, we will
follow your care and treat you according to the specific
treatment plan we have devised for you.
What if I have questions about my treatment?
Vermont Pain Management recognizes
that medical procedures can at times be unsettling. Every
effort is made to simply and completely answer all questions
related to procedures. VPM believes that patient education
is paramount to the healing process. We offer informational
brochures and booklets on the most common problems treated
and procedures performed.
How many people are affected by chronic pain and how is
quality of life affected by chronic pain?
One in three Americans suffers
from some form of chronic pain. Chronic pain is persistent
pain that doesn't go away despite medical efforts at
treatment. It disrupts home life and work, and others who
can’t see the cause of pain often misunderstand it. When
chronic pain takes over, one's entire life may become
focused on it. The pain dictates how much one can do and
when it can be done. It keeps a person from living life to
the fullest. If chronic pain is allowed to control a
person, that person can get caught in a downward spiral that
affects health and relationships. The less active that
person becomes, the weaker they get. As the pain drags on,
enjoyable activities are avoided for fear of making the pain
worse. People find it difficult to sleep comfortably which
leaves them exhausted and less able to bear pain. There are
feelings of anger, anxiety, and depression. People withdraw
from family and friends. There is a sense of loss of control
of one's life. But with effective treatments, a person can,
with time and help get back control of their life.
What are the billing procedures and payment options for
my treatment?
Vermont Pain Management
participates with Medicare, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, MVP,
CIGNA, CBA and most other plans. We also accept most
insurance plans as an out-of-network provider. Billing
procedures are simplified by sending bills only after an
insurance statement and payment are received. This ensures
correct billing the first time. Our billing specialist is
fully trained to answer any questions about your bills or to
help with your questions about insurance forms. Our office
accepts cash, personal checks as well as VISA and
MasterCard.
Will my health insurance pay for Pain Management?
Benefits vary per employer. Our
staff will do a complete benefit check and review your
benefits with you, if you wish. All your financial questions
will be answered to the best of our ability with the
information available.
If insurance is involved, what is my financial
responsibility?
Patient
responsibility depends on what benefits your employer
purchased in your insurance plan. Each employer is different
in what they choose to provide as covered benefits. We will
verify your benefits before your appointment and we can help
you understand your insurance coverage and your financial
responsibility during your financial consultation.
If I have no health insurance coverage, what is the cost
of my treatment?
The costs can vary depending on what type of treatment is
needed by the patient. VPM offers numerous cash global
discount packages to choose from. We will be happy to
arrange a conference with our billing specialist to review
the costs in detail with you.
Do
I have to get my insurance pre-authorization or do you do
it?
If your insurance
requires a pre-authorization to see a specialist, then you
must get a referral from a Primary Care Physician or OB/GYN
to see a pain specialist for an initial appointment. After
the initial consultation, our office will obtain any future
pre-authorizations, sometimes with the assistance of your
referring doctor.
If my insurance plan requires a pre-authorization, can I
be seen or start treatment without the authorization? Can I
get a retroactive authorization?
Unfortunately, most
plans that require an authorization will not issue
authorization after treatment. Such authorizations usually
apply only to emergency cases involving potential for loss
of limb, eyesight, or life.
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