How do I become a patient at St. John’s Interventional Pain Clinic?
You will need to get a referral from your spine surgeon or specialist.
Internal departments at St. John’s Health can also make referrals,
including oncology, physical/occupation therapy, or inpatient units.
Why do I need a referral from my provider if my insurance does not require
a referral?
We understand your time is very valuable. We evaluate the medical information
provided to us by your referring physician to ensure we are the best place
for you to receive treatment. We work in conjunction with your referring
provider to make sure we have all the necessary information before proceeding.
What types of insurance do you accept?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, Medicare, First Choice of the Midwest,
United Healthcare, Cigna, and many more.
If paying by cash, the Patient Assistance Team has a price list available.
How am I going to get billed?
• You will receive a bill from St. John’s Health. Most insurance
companies pay a percentage of your visit depending on deductible and copay.
If paying cash, we do offer discounts or payment plans, so contact our
billing department prior to your first visit to discuss. Learn more about
understanding your bill.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Most times your referring provider wants a specific treatment plan, in
which we work closely with him/her to oblige and follow up with patient
progress. Often a consultation with Dr Tomlinson will be required for
the treatment that the referring provider is requesting.
What to bring to your first appointment?
Photo I.D.
health insurance card
insurance authorization (if required)
recent test results related to your condition (MRI/CT imaging)
list of your medications/allergies
list of any questions you may have regarding your care
Who will be involved in my care?
Dr. Dave Tomlinson is an anesthesiologist who performs injections and interventions with
and without ultrasound or fluoroscopy (x-ray) as ordered by your referring provider.
St. John’s Interventional Pain Services will work with your referring
provider and medical care team to coordinate your care and help improve
your overall quality of life.
What can I expect in my treatment plan?
We can usually schedule ordered interventions within 2 weeks, depending
on how long it takes to get pre-authorization from your insurance company.
Does St. John’s Health Pain Clinic have pain contracts for opiate
medications?
No, St John’s Health Pain Services is an intervention services practice
only. For any chronic pain medication prescriptions, your primary care
provider can direct you to a provider to assist you with these needs.
What can I expect for my procedure?
Most procedures are done with local anesthetic only, and you can eat and
drink normally. Prepare to be here for 1 hour if having an injection.
If procedures require moderate sedation, we will inform you ahead of time,
and ask that you not eat or drink 12 hours prior to the procedure.
If you take blood thinners, please let us know when you schedule your appointment.
We work with your provider to have you stop your blood thinners prior
to the injection, and for the least amount of time possible.
Most people can resume normal activity immediately following the injection.
Expect to have 1-2 hours numbness due to the local anesthetic used during
the procedure. Most times, there is also a steroid used in the injection,
which can have lasting effects, but typically does not provide optimal
relief for 3-4 days.
