A Pain Coping Assessment applied specifically to psychological candidacy for SCS trial and implant. Since the 1990's, insurances have required psychological clearance for implantable pain devices. The patient is also educated about the process of SCS, realistic expectations for SCS, and risks and benefits. This assessment may be applied to occipital, peripheral, dorsal root ganglion, or deep brain stimulation also. This clearance evaluation can be provided in-office or by telemedicine.
Assessment of how effectively the patient is coping with a painful medical condition. This assessment includes such factors as Medical Insight, Pre-Pain and Medical Coping Style, Current Lifestyle, Functional Motivation, and Secondary Symptoms. This service is provided mostly in the office, not usually by telemedicine.
A Pain Coping Assessment applied specifically to surgical candidacy for ITP. Since the 1990's insurances have required psychological clearance for implantable pain devices. The patient is educated about the process of ITP, realistic expectations for ITP, and risks and benefits. This clearance evaluation is provided primarily by telemedicine.
A Pain Coping Assessment applied specifically to psychological candidacy for orthopedic spinal surgery. Occasionally, an insurance company or surgeon will require a psychological clearance for spine surgery. The patient is educated about the process of spinal surgery, realistic expectations, and post surgical rehabilitation. This clearance evaluation can be provided in-office or by telemedicine.
A treatment modality using biofeedback equipment that provides visual feedback of muscle activity on a computer screen. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function as the therapist teaches strategies to: reduce bracing and guarding while sitting and standing; improve body mechanics during activity; and promote faster muscle recovery following activity. This treatment is only provided in our Palm Desert office.
A biofeedback treatment modality that focuses on quieting or calming the nervous system to reduce pain, tension, and stress. Included may be breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided visual imagery, and self hypnosis. This treatment is only provided in our Palm Desert office.
A treatment modality provided in a VIDEO FORMAT focused on reducing pain and improving activity. Topics include: acute vs chronic pain, four stages of pain treatment, 11 step hierarchy of pain treatments, pacing and limit setting, goal setting, graduated physical activity, exercise, social activity, pleasurable and productive activity, memory strategies, sleep hygiene, nutrition, medications, etc. This will be available by the end of the year through this webpage.
A treatment modality that integrates, extends, and further individualizes the information and learning from biofeedback, pain class, and the pain book. The focus is on removing barriers to healthy self management of chronically painful medical conditions. Also addressed are secondary problems, e.g., depression, anxiety, discouragement, loss, and other consequences of chronic pain. This treatment is only provided in our Palm Desert office.
A treatment modality that Dr. Sams created as a guide and manual for conquering chronic pain. Patients learn the most Advanced treatments for pain; Breakthroughs in pain coping; and the Choices that remove barriers to maximal pain relief and function.
Clearance Fees (pdf)
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