1. Please review the informational DVD/VHS that was given to you at your appointment. Write down any question that you may want to ask your physician.
  2. You will need to see a Pain psychologist before the prior authorization process can begin. Insurance companies require for two specific tests to be done (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory II and Multidimensional Pain Inventory).
  3. The psychological evaluation will be reviewed once it has been received.
  4. After the review, your office notes, operative reports and the psychological evaluation will be submitted to your insurance company for prior authorization.
  5. Once the authorization has been received you will be contacted to set up the trial and post operative appointments.
  6. If the trial has 50% or greater of pain relief then the prior authorization process for the implant will be submitted. This could take another four weeks to obtain authorization.
  7. Implant will be scheduled once the authorization has been received.
  8. Once authorization has been received for the permanent placement you will need to set up a Pre – operative visit with your primary care physician, and you will also need to have blood work. Please make sure to let the office know if you have a history of heart problems as you will need to have an EKG prior to having the surgery.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE, PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING:

♦ Take all blood pressure pills & heart medications prior to the procedure with a sip of water at least 3 hours before your requested arrival time. Your vitals must be stable to have the procedure.

♦ Have a responsible person to take you home.

♦ Arrive at the requested procedure time.  Please do not be late or your procedure may be cancelled. 

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE: 

♦ Do not take ANY of the following 5 days before your procedure:  Coumadin

♦ Do not take ANY of the following 7 days before your procedure:  Plavix

♦ Coumadin must be stopped prior to the injection. You must have a normal INR prior to the injection.  Do not stop the drug by yourself.

♦ Eat or drink 6 hours before the procedure.

NOTE:  YOUR PROCEDURE WILL BE CANCELLED IF: 

  • You have an active infection, flu, cold, fever, or very high blood pressure.
  • You do not have a responsible driver to take you home, arrive late for your procedure, or unable to follow the medication / fluid restrictions.

Call the office at (513) 860-1039 for procedure related questions.