Preparing for Your Pain Center Visit

What to Expect at Your Pain Center Appointment

The Arnold-Warfield Pain Center at BIDMC is dedicated to doing all we can to ensure that your first visit with us starts you on a path to pain relief. In order to make your appointment as successful as possible, please read the following so you arrive prepared and knowing what to expect.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• A list of medications you take including prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, vitamins, herbs and supplements, the dose and how often you take each.
• Any X-rays, CT scans or MRI's you might have related to the problem for your pain specialist to review.

What To Expect at Your First Appointment

During your first visit, you will receive a thorough evaluation that includes your medical history and a physical examination pertinent to your pain problem. This comprehensive visit with your pain specialist will last approximately one full hour.

After your evaluation and exam, we will talk with you about whether treatment through the Arnold-Warfield Pain Center is right for your pain problem and suggest next steps. In some cases, your doctor may order additional tests, such as a blood test, an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, or other diagnostic testing prior to deciding on a treatment plan.

Be sure to ask any questions so that you are comfortable with the plan. Whatever you and your pain specialist decide your next steps will be, we are confident that you will be heading in the right direction.