Provider and care · Updated October 6, 2026
Start with the clinical question, not a procedure name
Several services sound related but address different suspected pain sources. Cervical and lumbar facet injections target joints in different spinal regions; sacroiliac injections concern a joint between spine and pelvis. Epidural injections and epidural steroid injections have separate official pages. A clinician's assessment determines which, if any, fits a case.
The directory also distinguishes diagnostic facet blocks from radiofrequency ablation. Its description of the block concerns learning whether a target joint is implicated before considering a longer-lasting nerve procedure. That sequence is a useful question, not a promise of a particular result.
Notice the stages of device-based care
Spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation have separate official pages and discuss temporary trials before a possible longer-term implant. The intrathecal pump page describes a trial dose before pump placement. Ask about eligibility, alternatives, trial criteria, maintenance and what happens if a trial is unhelpful.
A trial step does not remove the need to understand risks, follow-up and cost. For each option, ask which parts are evaluated or provided by this practice and which depend on another clinician or facility.
Treat specialized listings carefully
The cancer pain page describes coordination with oncology. The IV therapy page says contents are selected by a clinician rather than a fixed drip menu. The stem cell page acknowledges variable responses and an evidence discussion. The Long-COVID page calls a stellate ganglion block an emerging option for selected patients.
These listings vary considerably in purpose and evidence. Ask what the clinician is trying to diagnose or treat, what established alternatives exist and how uncertainty will be explained. Request a plan-specific coverage check and a written estimate; discuss likely benefits and limits for your own diagnosis.
Questions to ask
- What diagnosis or suspected pain source would this listed service address?
- Is the proposed step diagnostic, temporary, reversible or intended as longer-term care?
- What alternatives have better evidence for this situation?
- Which follow-up, authorization and out-of-pocket questions arise if we proceed?