Question 1

How much does a pain management visit cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

A new patient pain management evaluation costs $200 to $400 cash-pay. Follow-up visits and medication management appointments range from $125 to $275. Interventional procedures like epidural injections are priced separately and range from $400 to $2,000 depending on the procedure and whether fluoroscopic guidance is included.

Question 2

Do I need a referral to see a pain management doctor?

Accepted Answer

No referral is needed on OpenDoc. You can book directly with a pain management specialist for any chronic pain condition. Having recent imaging (X-rays, MRI) and a list of previously tried treatments helps the physician develop an efficient treatment plan at your first visit.

Question 3

How much does an epidural steroid injection cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar epidural steroid injections cost $500 to $1,200 cash-pay when performed in an office-based procedure suite. Cervical epidural injections range from $600 to $1,500 due to greater technical complexity. Hospital outpatient facility fees can add $1,000-$3,000, so choosing an office-based or ambulatory surgery center setting significantly reduces cost.

Question 4

What is radiofrequency ablation and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to disable specific nerves that transmit pain signals, providing relief for 6-18 months. It is commonly used for facet joint-mediated back and neck pain and sacroiliac joint pain. Cash-pay cost is $800 to $2,000 per level treated. Two diagnostic nerve blocks are typically required before RFA to confirm the pain source.

Question 5

What is the difference between a pain management doctor and a neurologist?

Accepted Answer

Pain management physicians are typically anesthesiologists or physiatrists who completed a fellowship in interventional pain medicine. They focus on pain relief through injections, nerve blocks, and neuromodulation. Neurologists diagnose neurological conditions causing pain but generally do not perform interventional procedures. For chronic pain requiring injections or implanted devices, a pain management specialist is the appropriate choice.

Question 6

How many epidural injections can I get per year?

Accepted Answer

Most pain management guidelines recommend no more than 3-4 epidural steroid injections per spinal region per year. The injections are typically spaced 2-4 weeks apart. If injections provide only temporary relief, your physician may recommend radiofrequency ablation or other longer-lasting interventions.

Question 7

What is a spinal cord stimulator and who is a candidate?

Accepted Answer

A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals. Candidates typically have chronic neuropathic pain (failed back surgery syndrome, CRPS, peripheral neuropathy) that has not responded to conservative treatments. A trial period of 5-7 days is performed first to assess effectiveness before permanent implantation.

Question 8

Can pain management doctors prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pain management physicians prescribe a full range of medications including anti-inflammatories, neuropathic pain agents (gabapentin, pregabalin), muscle relaxants, and when appropriate, controlled substances. Many modern pain practices emphasize a multimodal approach combining medications with interventional procedures, physical therapy, and behavioral strategies to minimize reliance on opioids.

Pain Management

Pricing methodology

Common services and estimated pricing