What to Expect

We strive to make every visit to our office as pleasant as possible.  This page will let you know what to expect when coming to our office for the very first time.

Please take a moment to look over What to Bring on Your First Visit and New Patient Forms


Check-In:

  • You will be greeted by one of our friendly receptionists at our front desk.
  • We will ask for a photo ID and your insurance card so we can make copies for our records.
  • We will hand you some forms to sign and fill out.
    • If you fill out the New Patient Forms ahead of time, your check-in will be much faster.
  • Once the forms have been filled out, and your copay (if any) has been received, one of our medical assistants will bring you to an intake room.


Intake:

  • An assistant will ask you some questions about your pain, your medical history, and medications you are taking.
  • If you have any MRIs, x-rays, or CT scans, the assistant will make copies of them and return them to you.
  • The assistant will take your blood pressure and temperature.


In the Exam Room:

  • When you are in the exam room, your physician will ask you some questions about your pain and health.
  • The physician will perform a physical examination to better assess your pain.
  • Any MRIs, x-rays, and/or CT scans reports will be reviewed and explained to you.
  • The physician will explain what may be causing your pain.
  • The physician will recommend and explain treatment options for your pain.

Getting a procedure or injection can seem like a scary thing, but knowing what to expect will help ease any fears.  This page will tell you exactly what to expect for your procedure.

Your well-being is our top priority.  Please make sure to call the office in advance if you…

  • are feeling ill, and/or have a fever.
  • started/changed any medications since your last visit.
  • took a blood thinner (such as aspirin, or Plavix) 5 days before your procedure

As always, if you have any questions about your procedure, please do not hesitate to call us at (718) 224-1600.


Before Your Procedure:

  • Don’t eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your scheduled appointment, unless told otherwise by your physician.
    • After your procedure, you are allowed to eat. You can bring something to eat after your procedure while you are in the recovery room, but we also offer some refreshments.
  • Follow your physicians’ instructions on stopping any medications for that day.
    • If you are instructed to stop your diabetes medication on the day of your appointment, make sure to check your blood sugar.
    • If you are taking any blood thinners (aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin, or any others), make sure to follow instructions given by the office on when to stop these.
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
  • Leave any valuables with the person coming with you to the office, or at home.
  • Make sure to prepare transportation back home.
    • If you receive anesthesia during your procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Please make sure you bring a responsible friend or family member.

During Your Procedure:

  • After checking-in at the Front Desk, you will be taken into Pre-Op, where a medical assistant will take your blood pressure, and temperature.
  • The medical assistant will review some of your medical history, as well as your current medications and allergies.
    • If you have changed any medications before your appointment, please make sure to let the office know!
  • When we have prepared your procedure, we will bring you to one of our two procedure rooms.
  • Our procedure staff will assist you onto the exam bed and will help shift your clothing to expose the area where the injection will take place.
    • Depending on your procedure, you will either lie down on your stomach, on your side, or on your back.
  • Our procedure staff will place a blood pressure cuff on your arm, which will take your blood pressure every couple of minutes.
  • If you are receiving sedation, an IV will be placed.
    • The process is similar to when your blood is drawn by your primary care physician, except blood is not drawn.
  • The area where the injection will take place will be sterilized with iodine.
    • If you are allergic to iodine, be sure to inform the staff so that a different solution can be used.
  • Your physician will answer any questions you may have before starting the procedure.


Right After Your Procedure:

  • Someone from our trained staff will transport you to our recovery room.
  • We will offer something to eat and drink.
  • Your blood pressure will be monitored and taken every few minutes.
  • Once you have been cleared to leave, someone from our trained staff will assist you to the waiting room.
    • The amount of time that you have to be in the recovery room will vary depending on your procedure, and how quickly you recover.
  • Our office will schedule a follow-up appointment for you, as well as give you some instructions after your discharge.


When You Go Home:

Be sure to read over the discharge instruction sheet that is given to you by our office.

If you experience any complications, please call the office as (718) 224-1600.

If you are unable to reach our office, and/or you are experiencing uncontrollable problems or severe complications, go to the Emergency Room.

  • After your procedure, you can resume your normal diet and medications unless directed otherwise by your physician.
  • Make sure to follow your physician’s instructions on taking pain medications and take them as needed.
  • Don’t remove the band-aid(s) for at least 6 hours after the procedure.
  • Don’t drive, or make major decisions for at least 24 hours.
  • Vigorous exercise should be avoided.
  • Check your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly.
  • If you received sedation:
    • Any side effects from receiving sedation should disappear within 3-4 hours.
    • If you continue to experience severe side effects for more than 12 hours, you should go to the Emergency Room
  • For Steroid Injections:
    • You may experience pain for up to three days after your procedure. This is normal.  Your pain should reduce after the first few days.  Continue to take any pain medications as instructed by your physician.
  • For Nerve Blocks:
    • Be sure to report how much pain you are experiencing every 30 minutes for 4 hours after your procedure on your Pain Diary.
    • This is a test, so your pain will return after 4 hours. This is normal, so you should take any pain medications as instructed by your physician.
  • For Radiofrequency Ablation, or RF:
    • You may experience pain for about a week after your procedure. It is normal for your pain to be the same, or even worse later in the evening, or the next day after your procedure.  Just continue to take any pain medications as instructed by your physician.


Complications that May Arise After Your Procedure:

As you discussed with your physician prior to your procedure, there are complications that may arise after your procedure. If you have any further questions, please make sure you bring up your concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.

  • An increase in pain for several days after the injection.
  • Bruising at the injection site.
  • Discomfort, swelling, itching, and/or bleeding.
  • Edema, heart failure, and/or blood blot in the legs.
  • High blood pressure, and/or high blood sugar.
  • Infection and/or allergic reactions.
  • Dizziness, changes in heart rate, and/or fever.
  • Nerve or muscle injury.
  • Unforeseeable or unknown complications.