Frequently Asked Questions

What is pain management?

Pain management” encompasses the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of pain-causing conditions, but it’s a broad term with many components. Some practices may focus on just one or two aspects of care, missing out on the full spectrum of available treatments. That’s why it’s essential to choose a physician who leverages every tool for effective pain control. We offer comprehensive, personalized pain management, utilizing a variety of therapies tailored to your unique needs.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management focuses on pain-blocking techniques to ease daily activities and improve patients' quality of life. This approach may include treatments such as minimally surgery, nerve blocks, implantable drug delivery systems, and more. Interventional pain management is recommended when pain is severe enough to disrupt daily life, and other treatments have not been effective.

What is chronic pain?

While “chronic pain” used to be defined as pain that lasts longer than 6 months, more recently, it has come to mean any pain that persists beyond a reasonably expected time frame for the damage or injury that has occurred.

What training does an interventional pain physician have?

Interventional pain physicians undergo years of specialized training to help patients manage and treat pain. After earning their medical degree, they complete a residency in areas like anesthesiology, neurology, or physical medicine and rehabilitation. Following this, they pursue additional training in pain management through a fellowship, focusing on advanced techniques like nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and other minimally invasive procedures. Many also become board-certified in pain medicine, ensuring they have the expertise to provide effective treatments for a variety of pain conditions.

What insurance does American Pain Consortium accept?

We accept insurance from most major carriers, along with traditional Medicaid and Medicare, and Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways. Please see our insurance information page for more information.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

American Pain Consortium does not require physician referrals; however, your insurance provider might require a referral to cover treatment at our facilities.

Is American Pain Consortium affiliated with a local hospital?

No, our facilities are independently owned and operated.

What types of conditions are treated at American Pain Consortium?

We treat a variety of conditions that cause acute or chronic pain, with the goal of helping our patients get back on their feet and back to doing the things they enjoy in life. For more information, visit our conditions page, or visit our video library.

Does American Pain Consortium prescribe pain medication?

When our doctors prescribe pain medication, it's when we believe it's in the patient’s best interest. We never guarantee pain medication—each patient is evaluated individually.

By working with your doctor, you’ll learn about pain management options beyond medication, like nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulators, or steroid injections. Our goal is to help you regain strength and mobility while minimizing pain, so you can live a more fulfilling life.

Does American Pain Consortium perform back surgery?

We do not perform traditional spine surgery like spinal fusions or laminectomies. Our outpatient surgical treatments are minimally invasive and target the nerves, not the spinal bones or discs. Patients are able to go home the same day as their procedures with us.

Does American Pain Consortium treat anxiety and depression?

Patients who have chronic pain often have depression and/or anxiety, so we have many licensed clinical psychologists on staff who are experienced in treating mental health concerns.

Will I need physical therapy?

We often prescribe physical therapy as part of a patient’s treatment plan. We offer Physical Therapy at many Central Indiana and Central Ohio locations.

Will you cure my chronic pain?

Most chronic pain patients will never be completely pain-free, but with the right treatment, we can help reduce keep pain levels tolerable and manageable, so you can get back to living life to the fullest.

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