Choosing the right pain management doctor and clinic does not have to be complicated. Instead, it requires a few simple steps with a bit of legwork and research. If you have been living with pain for a long time, there is no need to continue suffering. A NextGen pain medicine doctor has the tools and experience to analyze your chronic pain and treat it at the source. Here are eight essential factors to keep in mind.

1. Ask family doctors for referrals and suggestions

A primary care physician can furnish a referral list of pain management specialists. While family doctors treat colds and flu, they can only prescribe medications for recurring pain problems. In addition, only a licensed pain management physician implements the latest medical advances for combating pain. This includes regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, and other treatments. When asking for referrals, you can also:

• Check with family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations.
• Use a website like Healthgrades.com to research the doctor’s experience and credentials.
• Call the pain management professionals at NextGen for a same-day appointment or pain consultation.

2. Research the pain management doctor’s expertise

Board certification plays a vital role in choosing pain management physicians. In addition, doctors that have completed pain medicine fellowship programs have the experience, skills, and training to assess and treat all types of injuries and symptoms. Once you make an informed decision, check if the doctor has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.

You can even find which medical school the physician attended. Information on training, certifications, and residencies is also available on state websites. These essentials can help you make the right pain doctor choice and begin treatments accordingly.

3. Check the pain medicine doctor’s experience

At NextGen, our pain medicine doctors have years of extensive industry experience. They perform hands-on examinations that check the root causes and severity of your pain. They also take your medical history into account before formulating treatment plans tailored to meet your needs.

Our pain management care plans allow patients to live healthy, pain-free lives – with two convenient pain control clinics in Arlington and Dallas, Texas. With this in mind, you are always free to ask us any questions or concerns. This includes the experience levels of our doctors and which conditions they specialize in treating? Here are some more essentials:

• Experience matters when you’re dealing with chronic, recurring pain. You need a pain management doctor that brings years of experience and expertise to the examining table.
• The more experience your pain doctor has in treating specific or whole-body pain conditions, the better the outcomes.
• You can consult with the physician, asking how many patients with similar conditions have they treated?

If you need a specific procedure, ask the physician about complications and success rates.

4. Pain doctors will discuss treatment options

Patient confidentiality is always of paramount importance to pain doctors. Since you will need to discuss personal details openly, keep this in mind before choosing the correct physician to meet your needs. Pain management doctors are skilled in caring for all pediatric, teenage, adult, and senior patients. They are always available to answer your questions or concerns.

Ask the pain medicine doctor about recent training or experience related to your condition. This is an essential aspect of receiving timely care and therapies. The latter may include spinal adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, massage therapies, or corrective surgeries if needed. As always, your pain expert will determine the best treatment options based on your pain problems, injury, health, and age.

5. Ask about telehealth services

With the advent of COVID-19, many healthcare providers continued to diagnose and treat some patients using technology. This included smartphones, email, and two-way video. The practice continues today as telehealth services are now available across several medical fields. Scheduling virtual visits with your pain management provider may be suitable for routine follow-ups or minor complaints.

While a convenient option, you need to check if your pain management specialist offers telehealth services. This can mean fewer trips to the office and is especially helpful for post-treatment protocols. You should also check if your health insurance provider covers these services.

6. Evaluate the doctor’s communications style

Patient-doctor communications are an essential component of healthcare. After all, you are entrusting the pain management physician to diagnose your pain and treat it expeditiously. Choose a doctor you feel comfortable with, one that supports your decision-making and wellness needs. When you first meet the pain medicine doctor, ask questions to see how they respond. Are they welcoming or dismissive? Answers to these questions will help you make a worthwhile decision.

A pain management doctor that shows a genuine interest in your health is one you can count on for treatments. Understand the pain treatment options they offer and keep an open communication channel to prevent frustration and issues.

7. Review patient testimonials and industry ratings

Like other doctors, pain management physicians and clinics rely on positive patient reviews and industry ratings. This helps them get more business but also spreads the word about their patient-orientated services. Reading patient reviews gives you:

• Better insight on how pain management doctors practice medicine with clinical services.
• Patient reviews usually cover appointment scheduling, wait times, staff responses, office environment, and overall friendliness.
• You can also learn how well patients trust the doctor and if they answer questions promptly.

How much time the pain management doctor spends with each patient should also be considered. Reviewing their industry ratings, industry grades, and healthcare scores are also factors in selecting the right doctor and clinic.

8. Understand your insurance provider coverage

Finding a pain management therapist included in your healthcare plan is important. You can receive the most insurance benefits and pay minor out-of-pocket expenses for care received. While it’s vital to consider doctor credentials, experience, and physical therapy or injury clinic quality, understanding your health insurance coverage is a great place to start.

Take your pain care to the Next level

NextGen Pain & Injury Clinic features board-certified pain management doctors that specialize in treating acute or chronic pain. Whether from workplace injuries, car accidents, or sports mishaps, our doctors offer customized pain management services for patients of all ages.

We offer same-day appointments and consultations with two convenient locations in Arlington, Texas, and Dallas, Texas. Contact us today at (817) 887-8182 (Arlington) or (972) 382-9732 (Dallas) and experience the results.