New Patient Information
Preparing for Your First Visit
General Preparation:
- Diet and Hydration: If you plan to have a procedure that is not a kyphoplasty, make sure to eat something before your visit and stay well-hydrated.
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for ease and comfort.
- Transportation: Unless otherwise instructed, having a driver for procedures is optional, but can assist the experience of the patient.
Specific Procedure Preparations:
- Blood Thinners: If you are on blood thinners like Coumadin, Plavix, or Lovenox, please consult the physician who prescribed these medications to determine if it is safe for you to discontinue them before your injection. They will advise you on how many days you should stop taking these medications prior to your procedure.
- Kyphoplasty: Unlike other injections, the kyphoplasty procedure requires specific preparations which will be communicated to you by our staff prior to your procedure.
After Your Clinic Visit
Instructions:
- Driving: Avoid driving for 24 hours if you were sedated during your procedure.
- Medications: You can resume taking blood thinners like aspirin, heparin, and Coumadin 24 hours after your procedure unless advised otherwise. Other medications can also be continued as usual.
- Physical Activity:
- Engage only in light activities such as gentle walking today.
- Gradually return to your normal activities after 24 hours.
- Avoid heavy lifting (more than 5 lbs), as well as twisting or bending for the next three days.
- Diet: Start with a light diet and gradually progress to your usual diet as you feel able.
Comfort Measures:
- You may apply ice to the injection site for twenty minutes every 1-2 hours during the first 24 hours.
- Do not use a heating pad on the area during the first 24 hours.
- You may remove any dressing or Band-Aid after 4 hours.
- Avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming for 24 hours. However, you may shower.
What to Expect:
- You might feel an increase in pain the day after your procedure as the local anesthetic wears off. It’s normal to feel sore for a few days.
- Pain relief might be immediate or could take several days.
- Steroids typically begin to relieve pain within 1-3 days.
- Procedures like radiofrequency ablation take several days, even weeks to provide relief. Don’t be alarmed if pain relief is not immediate.
- Diagnostic tests, such as a Facet block, might not provide long-term pain relief. Further procedures may be necessary.
Possible Side Effects:
- Facial flushing from steroid injections, sleep disturbances, or restlessness. These symptoms typically last 1-4 days and are normal.
When to Seek Help:
Contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs beyond 24 hours.
- Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Nausea, unusual headaches, or neck stiffness.
- Issues with urinating or holding urine.
- Bleeding or drainage from the injection site exceeding 1/2 teaspoon.
- Unusual swelling or redness at the injection site.
- In case of difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other emergencies, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
Rockingham office: (910) 997-3733
Cary office: (919) 436-4277
Raleigh office: (919) 948-6877
Insurance Guidance and Financial Assistance
Billing FAQs
Q: What insurance plans do you accept?
A: Carolina Spine Center accepts all major insurance plans, including Aetna/Coventry, Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, Humana Military/Tricare East, MedCost, Medicaid, Medicare, Multiplan/PHCS, and United Healthcare.
Q: Do I need to contact my insurance company?
A: Please make yourself aware of your insurance coverage. Most plans require an out-of-pocket expense. All copays are due at the time of service.
It is best to check with your insurance company before making an appointment to determine if your visit will be covered. Call the member number on the back of your insurance card for assistance.
Q: Does my insurance company require an authorization?
A: Most insurance companies do require an authorization. Our staff will take care of obtaining a pre-authorization for you. You will be notified upfront if we are unable to obtain one.
Q: Is a co-payment required at each visit?
A: Yes, a specialist copay is due at each visit.