Our Pain Management Process
Important
When you arrive to the clinic for your any visit, you will need-
~picture I.D.
~insurance card
~verification of the current insurance will be necessary
~All copays/balances MUST be paid in full and insurance cards verified at the check in window before services will be provided or your appointment will be rescheduled.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
~Diagnostic studies that are relative to the area of your pain with radiology reports if possible. These studies should be on a compact disc.
If you only have radiology reports, please notify the office before your appointment or risk being rescheduled. The images will be an important part of your consult/evaluation.
Worker’s Compensation / Auto
If your pain pattern is related to a work injury or motor vehicle accident it is your responsibility to identify this on the first evaluation. All necessary paperwork and insurance authorizations are your responsibility; any attorney involvement should also be identified so that documentation can be provided to their office.
Documentation for disability, restrictions, or work off will not be handled on a routine basis, but only for patients with ongoing treatment. Any type of paperwork or documentation for disability, restrictions, or work off will require up to 1-2 weeks to complete and will include a fee which will be paid upon completion.
If you arrive to this clinic off work or on restrictions from another physician, they will continue this process until we have had time to review the documentation. Once this documentation is reviewed, we may choose not to continue your work off or disability or refer these back to your primary care physician. No restrictions or time off will be provided on the initial evaluation. Once reviewed we will determine if continuation is warranted or if other studies or evaluations are necessary. We feel that you and your employer benefit by you continuing to work in some capacity, so we will make every attempt to return you to work. If you miss work or require time off during treatment it will be necessary for you to notify the clinic on the day missed. No retroactive missed days will be covered.
Commitment and Experience
We have over 35 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of intractable pain. We utilize the most advanced technologies available, and are actively involved with the major manufacturer’s development of new strategies and  techniques in the management of pain. We are currently training, and have trained many of the pain physicians from all over the country, as well as Michigan. We were the first in the State of Michigan to perform many of these techniques, and continue to be one of the highest implanters of these devices in the United States.
We make one assumption, that as our patient you have failed conservative options, are not a candidate for surgery, or have had surgery that failed to control your pain. We assume we are your last stop, so we will do everything necessary to provide you with hope and management of your intractable pain.
Education is Key to Your Success
Your first appointment with Dr. Ferro will begin the pain management treatment process. His focus will be on the evaluation and review of your diagnostic studies and those factors contributing to pain issues. Dr. Ferro will next review and identify your best treatment options and course of treatment. This education on the source of your pain and treatment options will help you make the best decision for your long term care.
Throughout your treatment with MPMS, formal evaluations can occur as we conduct regular meetings. These monthly staff meetings are intended to evaluate patient care and progress by reviewing charts, patient history and can be used to evaluate:
~Side effects or drug interaction issues
~Changes in your medical condition
~Less than desirable results from a procedure
Starting with Team Approach
Your initial evaluation or consult will be scheduled to include at minimum an evaluation from Dr. Ferro and staff. We will review your diagnostic studies, previous treatments, and medication requirements.
Pain is not just about nerves and injury, but also how the body and mind reacts and adjusts to this pain. A pain psychologist can offer a number of treatment options, but more importantly is a critical component in any effective long term program in the management of chronic pain. Developing the necessary skills and strategies to cope and deal with chronic pain can make the difference between success and failure in any pain treatment plan.
Understanding the emotional and psychological components that evolve in chronic pain conditions is critical to the effective treatment of the biology of the condition. Without it there can be no long term success. The end result of this evaluation will be a treatment plan to fit your individual requirements. Based upon this we will develop and initiate treatment.
Everyone is Part of the Team
We have regular clinic team meetings to discuss your treatment and progress. Periodic evaluations with other clinical staff and nursing will also insure your progress and education of the treatment plan. These evaluations will be scheduled to assist in the appropriate use of different treatment options, medication use, and help educate you on the procedures and methods of your care.