dorsal column stimulator insurance approval why psychiatrist

#Dorsal column stimulator insurance approval why psychiatrist trial

It can also help if you’re not sure whether a spinal cord stimulator is right for you. Instead, the goal is to collect the necessary information for your doctor or insurance provider. The psychologist’s role during the evaluation isn’t to judge you. Some people may not respond well it can cause increased worry and anxiety, which can reduce the effectiveness of the device. The reason why a psychological exam is part of the spinal cord stimulation process is because everyone responds differently when a device is implanted in their body. The psychological evaluation helps prepare you mentally and physically for the procedure and helps your doctor make recommendations to help you adjust to having an implanted device.

#Dorsal column stimulator insurance approval why psychiatrist trial

Again, getting a psychological evaluation before a spinal cord stimulator trial or surgery is routine, and it’s a common requirement for many surgical procedures.

Does a referral for a psychological evaluation mean my surgeon thinks I need help with my mental health?

In many cases, a pre-surgical psychological exam is required by insurance providers. It’s a typical part of the process for people undergoing cosmetic and weight loss surgeries, in vitro fertilization, and other procedures, as well. It might interest you to know that getting a spinal cord stimulator isn’t the only procedure where a psychological evaluation is required. Coping skills can also contribute to the outcome of a spinal cord stimulator for different people. Although there is no underlying physical source, somatic symptoms are very real. For example, outcomes can be affected by factors such as depression, anxiety, and somatization - when physical symptoms arise from psychological issues.įor example, a person who has just lost a loved one may experience grief through severe fatigue or joint pain. There are certain psychological characteristics that can play a role in whether a spinal cord stimulator successfully reduces a person’s pain. What does a psychological evaluation have to do with getting a spinal cord stimulator? This video explains how Nevro HFX spinal cord stimulation works: It uses gentle pulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain. A spinal cord stimulator is a small device implanted in your back or buttocks. Chronic nerve pain is caused by damaged nerves that send pain signals through your spinal cord to your brain. How does a spinal cord stimulator work?įirst, to help understand the psychological aspect, it may be helpful to know how spinal cord stimulation works. It’s understandable to have questions or concerns, especially if you’ve never seen a psychologist before.īelow, we’ll discuss why a psychological evaluation is necessary and important before getting a spinal cord stimulator and what to expect during this part of the process. A psychological evaluation is routinely performed before a spinal cord stimulator trial to determine a person’s suitability for the treatment option.Ī psychologist can be a valuable member of your pain management team, and an evaluation is a normal and important step in determining the treatment plan that will work best for you. It’s also a great alternative for people who don’t want the side effects of pain medications.Ĭhronic pain affects a person both physically and emotionally. It’s a solution for many people who have tried other ways to manage their pain but haven’t found success with medications, injections, and surgery.

A spinal cord stimulator is a highly effective treatment option for managing chronic pain.