5 Tips for Choosing a Pain Management Doctor
About 20.4% (50 million) adults in the US struggle with chronic pain. Another 8% (19.6 million) have high-impact chronic pain. If you neglect treatment, pain can impact your work, social, and quality of life.
Choosing the right pain management doctor could make all the difference. They’ll help by developing a customized treatment plan with your needs and situations in mind.
Not sure who to visit for pain relief? Read on to discover how to find the best pain management specialist today.
1. Request Referrals and Reviews
First, talk to friends and family members who have suffered from chronic pain in the past. Ask them if they’ve visited a specialist for pain management solutions in the past year. If they have, ask about the experience working with the doctor.
For example, you can ask:
- How long have they specialized in pain management
- What was causing your pain
- What pain treatments did they recommend
- Did they help ease your pain
- Would you visit anyone else
Ask the patient if they encountered any problems (scheduling, billing, etc.) at the doctor’s office, too.
If you’re unable to gather a referral, talk to your primary care doctor. Ask if they can recommend a local pain management specialist.
Once you have a list to work with, head online to learn more about each pain management doctor. Check Google, Healthgrades, and RateMDs.com for patient reviews. Choose a pain specialist doctor who already has a positive reputation.
2. Check Credentials
Review each doctor’s credentials to learn more about their education and training. Confirm they’re board-certified and licensed, too.
Confirm that they’ve completed four years of medical school and a medical residency in pain management.
3. Consider Your Insurance
Determine if the pain management doctors on your list participate in your insurance plan. Take the time to calculate and budge your out-of-pocket costs before scheduling an appointment.
Otherwise, ask the clinic about their self-pay and financing options.
4. Look for Experience
There are over 204,550 pain specialist doctors across the US. However, some specialists have worked in the industry longer than others. As you begin narrowing down your options, try to find an experienced physician.
Someone with years of hands-on experience has likely encountered the problem you’re experiencing. They’ll have an easier time recommending the right pain management solutions. They can help ease your pain by treating the source of the problem.
5. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation with one of the doctors on your list. Discuss the problems you’re experiencing and ask what pain treatments they would recommend.
Pay attention to how the doctor speaks and acts during the appointment. Are you comfortable around them? Make sure they’re a strong communicator who is easy to understand, too.
Then, review your notes. Determine if you’ve found the pain management doctor who offers the solutions you need before scheduling your next appointment.
Visit a Pain Management Doctor to End Your Pain Today
Finding a pain management doctor is easier than you might think. Use these five easy tips to find the right local specialist. Then, begin your treatment plan to minimize your pain and restore your ability to function.
Ready to find effective pain relief? You’re in the right place.
Contact us today to learn more.