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Generally yes. Most PPO insurance companies and Medicare allow a patient to “self refer” to any specialist. Your primary or other physician may also refer you to The PainSmith for treatment.  

We are happy to see private pay or “cash pay” patients, but do perform a chart review prior to scheduling to ensure the visit will be worthwhile for the patient. 

We take most major private insurances as well as Medicare. Please call us to check current coverage on your plan.

Your insurance generally pays for any medically necessary care, and most pain management treatment is considered medically necessary. We will discuss insurance coverage with you over the phone or during your visit.

Yes – when you are scheduled for your first visit we can email you the paperwork or you can find it on our website. Click Here for New Patient Form

The goal of pain management is to make pain no longer the focus of your life, but an afterthought so you can enjoy the activities you want. In addition to reducing your discomfort, pain management can also offer improved sleep and mood, the ability to return to work or daily activities, the ability to start or restart exercising, and a reduction in opioid usage.

Typically any time you have experienced consistent pain for over 6 weeks or recurrent episodes for over 6 months.

Pain management physicians help reduce or eliminate pain through conservative, medication, or interventional options such as ablations or injections.

Your first visit is a consultation with a pain medicine physician. The goal of the first visit is to explore potential options for long term pain control and establish a plan of action.

Stretching and strengthening exercises are generally helpful for chronic pain, but you should check with your physician prior to initiating any new exercise routine.

Pain is extremely variable per person, and anyone who has consistent pain for over 6 weeks or recurrent episodes in the same location for more than 6 months should be evaluated by a physician.

For most procedures you do not need to go to sleep. If this is something that you require, it can be performed.

Generally, if you are not receiving sedation you are able to eat prior to your procedure. Driving depends on the specific procedure being performed.

You can certainly visit an Urgent Care Center for your back pain or knee pain, especially if it is an acute injury. However, a Pain Management Specialist may be a better choice for long-term management of chronic back pain or knee pain, even if you are having an acute flare-up of your chronic pain. A Pain Management Physician will have access to diagnostics and treatment options that an Urgent Care Center does not. If you are experiencing pain in San Antonio or surrounding areas, give us a call. We will discuss your condition and if you are a good candidate, we will set you up for an appointment with Dr. Smith as soon as possible.