I’ve performed 30,000 pain management procedures, so I’ve heard it all and seen it all.
I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to actually treat pain. Most doctors are not equipped to actually treat your pain. At best they will manage your symptoms. In reality, most of the options they give you actually make the problem worse. Conventional treatment for pain focuses on structural problems and inflammation. But in reality most pain problems creep up on us over time. Treatment approaches that are focused on the wrong problem therefore don’t work well. Leave you in chronic pain.
When you as this one simple question it will change everything.
Who’s paying my doctor?
The answer to this question will determine the options of treatment you are told. The biggest problem I see is not understanding who your doctor really works for.
3 Followup questions to ask:
- Is my insurance company the one who actually pays my doctor?
- Since your insurance company is paying your doctors bills, is your doctor only recommending procedures that your insurance company will reimburse (pay) them for?
- Is there a more appropriate option that isn’t covered by your insurance?
When your insurance company is the boss your doctor will only recommend treatments they know they will get paid for. The problem here is those options are outdated, inappropriate or just symptomatic management.
Just remember, your insurance company doesn’t work for you – it’s sole purpose is to make a profit for it’s shareholders. Your doctor doesn’t get paid unless your insurance company approves it.
So question everything. Ask if there is a better option that might not be covered by insurance. Tools like dry needling, trigger point acupuncture & prolotherapy actually work to regenerate & heal your body but are not covered by insurance.
Make sure you know your options.
