Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have a consultation appointment at the office prior to my procedure appointment ?

YES. The physician will perform an evaluation at the office prior to each procedure. He will review your history, MRI’s and/or CT’s, perform a focused examination and review your options. You will have ample time to have your questions answered. If after the evaluation you or the doctor does not feel an injection is appropriate, none will be performed.

All spine injection procedures are performed in the office only.

Yes. For all procedures, you must fast for 4 (four) hours prior to the procedure, including food, water, coffee, soda, or any other liquid. Also, you must have a driver to bring you home (or someone to accompany you in a taxi) and take no pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication for 6 hours before the procedure. You must bring your MRIs and CT’s with you to the appointment. There are other potential preparation issues that will be addressed when an appointment is scheduled.

A driver is mandatory for all procedures. This is a firm policy of the IPM office. Under no circumstances will IV sedation be given if a patient does not have a driver.

You will first be checked in at the office 1/2 hour before the actual procedure. Once the paperwork have been completed and signed, a nurse will bring you back to the procedural room. A medical evaluation will be performed by doctor and an IV will be started. You will be informed as to what to expect during and after the procedure. Your questions will be answered.

The procedure will then be performed followed by a 20-30 minimum recovery period in the recovery area. In the recovery area you will be provided a drink and basic snacks. If you prefer something special to eat after your procedure you can bring it with you, but remember you cannot eat for 4 hours prior to the procedure.

The physician will typically see you again in the recovery area to answer any last minute questions and provide follow-up information regarding the procedure that may assist you in your recovery process. At that point, the IV will be removed and you will be released to your driver to return home.

An intravenous (IV) sedative is used to provide a comfortable level of sedation during the procedure. The most commonly used medication is Versed. You will become very relaxed, yet remain conscious. It is not required, but the vast majority of patients feel it helps the procedure go smoothly by significantly reducing anxiety and muscle spasm.

For most injections plan on spending approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours from check in to check out. Please plan to spend 15 - 30 minutes for check in, evaluation, and preparation, 30- 45 minutes for the procedure and 30-45 minutes for recovery and discharge.

For RF neurotomy and discograms plan on spending approximately 2 to 3 hours from check in to check out.

We do not manage or prescribe pain medications on an ongoing basis. A one week supply of pain medication is usually given following only more complicated procedures; e.g. discograms and RF neurotomy. Pain medication is not provided following epidural, facet, sacroiliac, hip, nerve root or medial branch block procedures.

No. We treat adult patients only.

The surgery centers do not have a child play area nor does it provide babysitting services. Your appointment requires communication between you and the physician; having children in the consultation room can make this process very difficult. If necessary, children can stay with an adult in the waiting area, but children are not allowed into the procedure suite.

Most procedures are covered but are subject to your particular plan and co-insurance/deductible. Some procedures and plans require pre-certification, which we do for you. If your plan requires pre-certification or utilization review, it may require we schedule your appointment out to accommodate adequate time for authorization. If you have specific questions about your plan, please call our office at (718) 479 3900. Click here for a list of Participating Insurance Plans.

There will be a charge for both the physician’s fee and the surgery center’s fee. Please download the Insurance and Billing Policies  for additional information.