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 |  | Over-the-Counter Treatments: $5-$25 |  | Pain Program: $195-$225+ Per Office Visit |  | Surgery: $100-$27,000+ |
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Unlike acute pain, which lasts for a little while, chronic pain can persist for months or years. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine[1] , it can be triggered by an injury or infection, or an ongoing cause such as cancer, but sometimes occurs even without evidence of bodily damage. Common complaints include migraines, back pain and arthritis pain. Most patients will undergo a lengthy process of trial and error before finding the right treatment.
Typical costs: | - For mild, shorter-term pain, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter drugs such as Acetaminophen[2] and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen[3] which cost about $5-$25, depending on the quantity and whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent.
- Prescription medications for ongoing, severe pain can include anticonvulsants[4] , such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), $53 for 30, 100 mg capsules at drugstore.com; antidepressants[5] like Amitriptyline, $12 for 30, 10 mg tablets; and opiate pain relievers[6] , like hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin), $18 for 30, 325 mg tablets.
- A physician may refer a patient to a pain center[7] , in which a team of health professionals create a treatment plan, typically incorporating different disciplines. According to Marketdata Enterprises, a market-research firm, the average cost of a pain program is $4,873. Fees are based on the procedures involved and complexity of the problem. At Florida Medical Pain Relief Center[8] the initial consultation is $225, but required monthly office visit costs $195 each, and additional treatments may be needed. Many health plans will at least partly cover treatment at pain centers, but usually after conventional methods, such as drug treatment, have failed, among other restrictions.
- According to the book Chronic Pain Management[9] , after medication, surgery is the most common treatment for persistent pain. For example, 31,000 lumbar surgeries are performed each year primarily to alleviate pain, at an estimated cost of $27,577 per patient. For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs for surgery typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10% to 50%.
- Devices used to fight chronic pain range in cost. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators[10] , battery-operated units connected to the skin that emit electrical impulses to block pain signals , typically cost $100 or more. Surgically implanted devices that deliver medication and are usually considered an option only when other methods fail, typically cost $27, 577 -$55,134, according to Chronic Pain Management[11] . Many health insurers cover these treatments but only if patients meet certain criteria.
- Physical therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may help patients cope with symptoms. For uninsured patients, physical therapy typically costs $50 -$350 or more per session, while a one-hour session of cognitive behavioral therapy typically starts at $125 and can cost more than $250. For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs for these therapies typically include a copay of $10 -$75 per session or coinsurance of 10%-50% or more.
Related articles: Acupuncture, Annual Physical, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - During an initial consultation[12] , a doctor will review the patient's medical history. He or she may also conduct a physical examination, a psychosocial evaluation, or order tests. After a working diagnosis is established, treatment options will be discussed. Periodic follow-up may be needed.
Additional costs: | - Many chronic pain sufferers try acupuncture for relief. Though it's considered promising, research[13] , on its efficacy has been inconclusive. Acupuncture typically costs $75 to $95 for an initial visit.
Discounts: | - Discount outlets often sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs for less. Walmart, for example, has a prescription drug program[14] that includes certain generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages.
- Many pain clinics offer discounts to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At Fort Walton Pain Center[15] in Fort Walton, FL, patients who pay in cash are offered a 35% discount.
Shopping for pain management: | - The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities offers a database of accredited pain treatment facilities[16] .
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: vincent anderson in Jackson, MS. | Posted: September 14th, 2021 10:09PM |
| Treatment: Refills | Physician: Kenerbrew |
| Pain Center: Premies pain |
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| Posted by: g.t. messge in Hilliard, OH. | Posted: August 16th, 2017 08:08AM |
| Pain Center: Oracle Pain Clinic, Dr Samuel Essandoh |
I was very hopeful when I read about what the doctor had to offer. At my initial appt first thing was providing a urine sample, he went over my history, had me sign to get my records, and gave me names of two Dr's he uses for a psych eval. My first dr refused to send my records. It took 6 mos to get them. After saying that long, when I went to the "2nd appt" I didn't actually have an appt. He sent me to get my Rx records which he had bec of the state reporting system. When we returned w/my records we were told he wasn't going to treat me. There was no 2nd appt! It was a guise so he could charge me for an "appt".
I refused to pay bec this is something more and more drs are doing. I passed the drug screen and psych eval, so why not treat me? I'll never have an answer. |
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| Posted by: matt martin in Hollister, CA. | Posted: June 14th, 2014 10:06PM |
| Pain Center: heath cost helper |
I need help with my arthritis pain get appointment for help. |
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External Resources: | - www.painmed.org/patient/facts.html#chronic
- www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Tylenol-Extra-Strength-Pain-RelieverFever-Reducer-...
- www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-ibuprofen-tablets/ID=prod3945725-product
- www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/anticonvulsants-for-chronic-pain#ty7636
- www.webmd.com/pain-management/tricyclic-antidepressants-for-chronic-pain#ty6870
- www.webmd.com/pain-management/opioid-analgesics-for-chronic-pain#ty6796
- www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-clinics-overview
- www.paincenters.com/services_costs_and_fees.html
- www.amazon.com/Chronic-Pain-Management-Multidisciplinary-ebook/dp/B004F9PSUY
- www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/electrothermal-therapy
- www.amazon.com/Chronic-Pain-Management-Multidisciplinary-ebook/dp/B004F9PSUY
- www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/chronic-pain-exams-and-tests
- nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/acupuncture-for-pain.htm#use
- www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
- www.fortwaltonpaincenter.com/payment/
- www.carf.org/providerSearch.aspx
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