Your Visit to UPMC Pain Management

People experience pain in their own way — from how much it hurts to how long it lasts.

From the moment you book your first visit at UPMC Pain Management, you and your pain are our focus.

A Customized Plan to Treat Your Pain

Your first visit lets our experts discuss your pain, goals, and treatment options. We then use what we learn to tailor a care plan that's right for you.

This meeting may result in changes to your current treatment plan if another doctor referred you.

Your new treatment plan may or may not include prescription medicines.

What to Expect at Your First Pain Management Visit

Plan to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment. Getting here early will give you time to finish the paperwork we'll use to decide on your treatment.

Your visit will last between 30 and 60 minutes.

Members of our pain management team will:

• Work to help you feel and function better.
• Give you details on treatment options and time to ask questions.
• Make sure you leave with knowledge about our services so you can decide whether a return visit makes sense.

Pain Treatment Recommendations

After your first visit, we'll suggest treatments we think will be best. Or we may need more time to decide what to advise and will follow up with you.

What we suggest will focus on your specific pain-related needs. And your treatment plan will likely involve a mix of services.

Know that we always welcome your feedback. If you don't agree with the treatment plan, we'll work with you to find a plan more to your liking.

Chronic Pain Telemedicine Services

We offer chronic pain telehealth visits that you can schedule online.

This lets you talk to our experts from the comfort of your own home. All you'll need is a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other web-enabled device.

Not all pain management visits can be online. You may need to come into the office for some treatments, such as injections.

But, video visits are convenient for pain assessments or follow-ups.

UPMC Pain Management Insurance and Billing Details

Insurance reminders

• Before office visits. If your insurance requires a referral, please contact your PCP as soon as you schedule a visit with our office.
• Insurance prior authorizations. Most pain treatments, shots, and medicines require prior authorizations. This can take between 3 and 5 business days. Without approval, you may not be able to have certain treatments or receive medicines at your first visit.

About your UPMC pain management bill

UPMC doctors take part in many health plans and will file a claim for services covered under a plan.

• For office visits, we ask you to pay for services your insurance doesn't cover. This includes copays and deductibles.
• If we don't participate with your insurance, you'll have to pay for office services at the time of your visit.
• We'll file claims related to hospital stays and treatments. You'll have to pay any balance your health plan doesn't cover.

Additional fees for service

You and your insurance company will each receive bills for the office and hospital services you receive.

Billing and Payment Questions

We can help with billing questions and concerns. Visit our Paying My Bill site to learn about payment plans, estimates, and other financial help.

Or call:

• UPMC Patient Financial Services Center at 1-800-371-8359.
• UPMC Customer Service at 1-844-591-5949.