If you are awaiting or considering an injection procedure, you likely have some questions about what to expect before, during and after your injection. Below, we answer the most commonly asked questions from patients to provide general guidelines. Please follow the specific instructions provided by your care team whenever they are different from the information here.
What should I do before my injection procedure?
- Please complete pre-registration before your procedure. A nurse will call you several days before your procedure to review your information.
- Notify your physician or nurse if:
- You take medication. Your physician will tell you whether you should stop taking it before your procedure.
- You notice changes in your health, such as a cold or sore throat, the week before your procedure.
- You have difficulty controlling your blood sugar. Your physician will take special steps to manage and monitor this closely to reduce your risk of infection.
- There is a possibility you are pregnant.
- If you require special financial arrangements, please contact our business office in advance.
What should I do on the day of my injection procedure?
- In the morning, take a shower or bath, and dry your hair before leaving home.
- Do not shave on or near the injection site.
- Do not wear makeup, perfume, nail polish or any other cosmetic products.
- Leave watches, jewelry and other valuables at home.
- Dress comfortably. Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing.
- Bring your insurance card(s), a list of your medications, and paperwork (e.g., test results) from your physician. If your insurance requires a co-pay, please come prepared with your form of payment.
- Arrive on time to ensure timely admission.
- You will change into a gown and slippers before your procedure. You will be asked to remove contact lenses, dentures and any prosthesis.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home. For your safety, you should not drive immediately following your procedure.
What happens if there is an emergency during my injection procedure?
In the unlikely event that a medical emergency occurs while you are undergoing a procedure in one of our facilities, by policy, we initiate resuscitative measures and transfer you to a general hospital for further evaluation. Treatments or withdrawal of treatments will be carried out at the hospital according to your Advance Directive or Power of Attorney. If you disagree with this policy, please discuss your concerns with your physician prior to your procedure.
What can I expect after my injection procedure?
- You will be monitored until you are cleared to go home. Patients typically can go home one to three hours after the procedure.
- You might experience discomfort around the injection site, as well as drowsiness or dizziness from the anesthesia.
What can I do to help ensure safe healing at home?
- Your physician will give you post-procedure instructions to help optimize your recovery at home. Call your physician if you experience any problems, particularly indications of infection at the injection site.
- A nurse will contact you within 72 hours to check on you and answer any questions you may have.
What can I expect in terms of insurance and payments?
Insurance coverage varies, and carrier policies can change frequently. To ensure you get the most from your health insurance benefits, please verify your insurance coverage for treatment in advance. It is important to understand the details of your specific plan and the associated financial responsibilities prior to treatment. Please adhere to your plan’s co-pay, deductible and admission requirements. If your insurance plan requires prior authorization, it must be obtained before your procedure.
Here are some important things to know about billing:
- Facility fees and fees for services: Facility fees apply only to the use of the facility in which your injection takes place. Laboratory, pathology and physician fees are not included. These providers will bill you separately, so you will receive multiple bills.
- Insurance claims: The facility in which you receive treatment will bill your primary insurance (and secondary insurance, if applicable) for the facility fees. Bring all your insurance cards to your appointment, including Medicare or public assistance cards.
- Payments: If your plan requires a co-pay, we will collect it when you arrive. You should also be prepared to pay any deductible amount. We accept credit cards, personal checks, cash or cashier’s checks. Self-pay patients must pay all charges in advance. If you require special financial arrangements, please discuss it with our business office before your procedure.
For more information about injection procedures or to consult with one of our physicians, please call us at 913-319-7600.
Our Physiatrists
C. Lan Fotopoulos, M.D., joined Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics in 2004 as the first fellowship-trained physiatrist in Kansas City. He is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine, pain medicine, and undersea and hyperbaric medicine.
Fermin J. Santos, M.D., joined Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics in 2010. He is board- certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and fellowship-trained in the diagnosis, rehabilitation, and use of interventional spine procedures for treatment of spine disorders.
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The medical information contained in the Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics website is provided to increase your knowledge and understanding of orthopedic conditions. This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific medical or surgical treatment plan. As each patient may have specific symptoms or associated problems, the treatment regimen for a specific patient may not be the proper treatment for another.
Gaining knowledge and understanding of a particular problem or condition is the first step in any medical treatment plan. We believe the information presented on our website will be helpful for those individuals experiencing orthopedic injuries or other musculoskeletal problems. However, this information is not intended to replace the advice of your family physician. You are encouraged to consult with your physician to discuss any course of treatment presented or suggested.
