Pain Assessment
Dr. Ferro will be requesting that you undergo a pain assessment at some point in your care and always before continuing with an implant procedure. Chronic pain causes us to adjust to every circumstance in our life in an attempt to reduce our pain. It does not take long for us to create new habits and often times; these habits become counterproductive and can eventually lead to more problems.
A Surgical pre-screening is often a requirement of many insurance companies. It can help us determine if some responses are biological or psychological. In addition, the evaluation will help us determine how effective is your current medication management of your pain, including the use of extended or prolonged release medications, and how your current knowledge of your physiological problems affects your pain behaviors.
The pain reduction strategy being considered by Dr. Ferro might actually reduce most or all of your pain, however chronic pain patients often act one of two ways which can either lead to new injuries or limit the effectiveness of the procedure being considered. You can either:
• Keep doing the bad habits, which you may or may not be aware of or
• Try doing old tasks the same old way and forget that the structural problems still exist.
In either case, we want to make sure that you get the maximum benefit from the procedures you are about to undergo. We also want to make sure you are aware of all the pain management skills, and that you can apply them from a “least-to-most” strategy. Some individuals have difficulty going off their pain medications in preparation for a trial or the final procedure. Learning these strategies can increase your chances of success.
Finally, the procedures you will be undergoing can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Your chronic pain has most likely challenged you so it’s important to better understand your current status and how we could best address any potential needs or problems.
Our Surgical Pre-Screening assessment is designed to help us increase your chances of success and regain an active lifestyle. The assessment process typically takes 30 minutes for a review of your situation. In addition, you are asked to complete two pain assessment questionnaires and two to three psychological tests. Depending on how fast you read the entire assessment can take 2 to 3 hours.
The final report is completed and submitted to Dr. Ferro, typically by the next working day.
Appointment Times
Our Phone Lines
Calling us at (517) 394-4715 will lead to a message about our extensions. They are extensions:
201 for scheduling, Nikki will help you
202 for medical records, Jennifer will be helping you
203 will get you our office manager, Brenda
204 is for patients with a pump or stimulator, Darla can help
208 is for Dr. Ezzo
207 is the call back line for patients reporting how they are doing after a procedure (See step 7 of Getting REady for Procedures)
252 is the prescription renewal line
Press 9 to learn how to contact Dr. Ferro after business hours
Consultation Times
Nurse Consultations
Your continued care is our highest priority. Due to the nature of many procedures follow up visits will be scheduled with a nurse.
Pain Management Therapy
Therapy sessions with Dr. Ezzo are 45 minutes long. Session can occur either every week or every other week.
Patients who are experiencing difficulty with pain medications may be seen only monthly.