Prescriptions

Medication prescriptions will not be provided on the first meeting or evaluation, the last prescriber will continue this until we have had the opportunity to review the appropriateness and dosing of the medications.  Any prescribing will require the involvement of Dr. Ezzo, our pain psychologist, he will assist in the process of setting up the correct use of medications as an adjunct to your treatment. We may decide to continue you current medications or change to different types and doses of medications. 

Patients currently taking, or being considered for slow release long acting pain medications will need; to have a primary physician, agree to allow monthly progress notes shared with all participating physicians, and agree to be seen monthly at the clinic. The list of medications includes; Dilaudid, Methadone, Avinza, Kadian, Duragesic / Fentanyl patch, MS Contin, Oxycontin, and Oxycodone. In some cases you may be required to keep a log of your pain level and medication use over time. Before considering any of these medications we will consult with your primary care physician, and if necessary any other specialist involved in your care.

Medication Philosophy

The philosophy of the clinic with respect to medication use in the control of pain, is that it is a means to an end, not the solution.  Medications can be an important component of treatment, but that they are not the treatment itself. This is not the pain clinic for you if you are only interested in medications and are not interested in pursuing other treatment options. If you feel that nothing has helped you in the past except medications, and you are here for medication refills or stronger medications only. On the other hand, if you are tired of living with pain, frustrated with being bounced around between different clinics and programs all doing the same thing over and over again for years without ever having good results. If you are tired of dealing with different doctors every time you go for treatment, each one not fully understanding your pain, and doing something different which doesn't work.  If you've finally realized that your pain is getting worse, and affecting not only your body, but your family, quality of life, and that you are requiring more and stronger medications with less results or pain relief. Then you are at the right place.

PRS - Step 1

At the bottom of this screen is the link to the Prescription Renewal Service Sign-up form.  Once you complete the information on this form click on the "Next" button to pick your pharmacy.  You have a choice if you want to be notified by email, text, both email and text, or not notified at all when your prescription renewal process has been started and completed.  Once Phase II of the Prescription Renewal Service process has been completed we will not be phoning patients to tell them when their prescription can be picked up.

PRS - Step 2

Next, you need to tell us which pharmacy you use.  We currently have over 100 pharmacies registered.  If your pharmacy is not yet available, simply pick the option "I can't find my pharmacy".  We will make sure we add your pharmacy the next time we refill a prescription for you. 

On the "Find Your Pharmacy" form you only have to enter part of your pharmacy's name and click on the "search" button to get a list of pharmacy's to choose from.

PRS - Step 3

One step left.

If everything is correct, then believe it or not, we need to know you're not a computer robot filling out forms!  Yes, they do that.  One thing they can't do yet is simple math.  So at the bottom of the "Review and Submit" form answer the math question then click "Submit". 

We appreciate your efforts.

Thank you, 
Dr. Ferro and Dr. Ezzo 

 Sign-Up Now

Hospital Affiliations

To:         All Surgical Patients
From:     Dr. Ferro, Dr. Ezzo
             Multidisciplinary Pain Management Services
Re:        Hospital Affiliations


This clinic has made the decision to utilize the small community based hospital systems for surgical procedures for many reasons. Although the added services can be of value in more complicated surgeries, for these types of procedures they are not typically utilized or necessary. These hospitals tend to run surgical schedules with less volume, this means that when we schedule your surgery at a specific time, it's likely to run on time, not be delayed by emergency add-ons, or the other frequent delays that happen in large operating rooms. The larger hospitals also tend to have a more detailed administrative process that can delay admissions as well as discharges. These factors affect you as a patient, as well as us as your surgical team. In the end, the smaller community facilities will tend get your surgery performed on time, and your in and out time will be quicker and easier.

In a similar way, should you require emergency room services during your post-surgical period, if possible you should return to the facility the surgery was performed at. This will insure that you are seen and evaluated quickly, and your treatment initiated at a facility that understands your procedure. The emergency room physicians at these facilities have been in-serviced and instructed on your surgery, they will have a better understanding of the care you require. Since we are a significant component of these facilities surgical schedules, myself or my staff will be notified of your problem earlier, and you will be seen by us faster.  



     Thank you for your cooperation

An Ideal Implant Timeline

Baring scheduling issues and assuming that the trial was successful the following timeline is presented for your planning.

Certain medications many need to be stopped in preparation for this procedure.  That is determined on an individual basis.
Day 1 of trial                                   
Day 10 trial stopped for evaluation
Day 40 surgery for implant
Day 60 staples removed
Day 80 can resume many ADL's and possibly physical therapy is ordered

Preparing for your procedure

For your health and safety we are very strict about the procedure process.  Always consider the following 6 steps.

Dr. Ferro's rules for procedures

Dr. Ferro has complied a list of rules and advice that you must follow to stay safe and improve your chances of success.  Because of its importance they are in a separate document you can easily view or print.
DrFerroProcedureRules.pdf - 67.22KB