What forms or paperwork do I need to fill out?
- If you are a new patient to the practice, you will receive our new patient packet in the mail a few days prior to your appointment. Please complete the required information within these documents and bring them with you to your first appointment.
- All patients will be required to complete a Pain Health Assessment (PHA) prior to each visit. The Pain Health Assessment is a tool that allows our pain physicians to:
- Know more about you as a patient
- Understand how pain is affecting your life
- Track the effectiveness of the treatment provided at MPC
The Pain Health Assessment is available online from our website so you can fill out the questionnaire at your convenience. In the event you do not have access to the internet to complete the PHA, please plan to arrive at our office a minimum of 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to fill out the PHA.
How do I prepare for my infusion therapy?
- Patients will be required to refrain from eating or drinking at least six hours prior to their scheduled appointment.
- Make sure you arrive at your appointment well rested. Some patients feel their infusions are less effective when they are sleep-deprived. Try to be in a relaxed state before your treatment begins.
- Make sure you have a driver on site with you for the duration of your infusion therapy appointment. Patients without a driver will be asked to reschedule their appointment for a time when they have secured a driver to be onsite for their appointment.
How many treatments will I need?
The medication dosage and number of treatments are unique to each individual patient. The physician will determine the treatment plan and discuss this with you during your initial consultation. The initial treatment protocol for most patients is to receive 3 treatments of 2-3 hours, with each treatment separated by 4 weeks. The patient will then come back to see the physician to evaluate the results of the treatment and discuss any recommended modifications to the treatment
Is infusion therapy safe?
When infusion therapy is administered in a controlled medical setting by a trained physician, it is safe. Infusion therapy generally does not suppress the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Are there any side effects with infusion therapy?
Due to the low dosage of medication used during the infusion process, the side effects are minimal. Side effects may include: anxiety, alteration in mood, vivid dreams or nightmares, hallucinations, increased salivation, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
In extreme cases serious side effects, though uncommon may include: rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, confusion, difficulty urinating, double vision, fainting, irregular heartbeat, headache, hypoventilation, or uncontrolled eye movements.
Is this covered by my insurance?
Unfortunately, infusion therapy is currently not covered by insurance at this time.
How much do infusion treatments cost?
Treatments cost $350 for the first two hours, and $100 for each additional hour therafter. This includes recovery time.
Will I be awake during my infusion?
Yes. The dosage of medication used during the infusion will not put you to sleep. If you are already sleepy and are feeling very calm and relaxed during the treatment, you might drift off for a short nap.
What should I do during the infusion?
Many find it helpful and relaxing to listen to music and to wear an eyeshade or sunglasses. Please feel free to bring your own portable music player and
headphones
to your appointment. The more relaxed you are during your infusion, the better the results will be.
What are the differences between the infusions for depression and the infusions for chronic pain conditions?
Infusion therapy treats both depression and chronic pain are very similar however there are a few key differences. The infusions used to treat chronic pain conditions require a longer treatment sequence, and approximately twice the amount of medication is given.
When can I resume my normal activities?
You can continue your regular diet and medications after discharge. You may not drive or operate heavy machinery until the next day. Continue your routine medications such as high blood pressure, cholesterol medication or any other routine medicine written by your primary care provider. Pain medications, if needed, should be taken as prescribed. You can return to your normal activities the next day. If you have questions or concerns about what to do for the next 24 hours after your procedure, please ask the nurse for clarification.