Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pain management, appointments, and Dr. Rubin's practice.
About Dr. Rubin & the Practice
What is Dr. Rubin's specialty?
Dr. Edward Rubin is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist with fellowship-trained expertise in interventional pain medicine. He specializes in non-opioid, minimally invasive procedures for chronic and acute pain conditions.
Where are the offices located?
Dr. Rubin sees patients at two office locations: 1103 Stewart Avenue, 3rd Floor, Garden City, NY 11530 (primary office, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday), and 1991 Marcus Avenue, Suite M217, Lake Success, NY 11042 (Tuesday only). Procedures are performed at accredited ambulatory surgical centers throughout Nassau County.
How do I make an appointment?
Call our office at 516-492-3100, text 516-206-0774, or fill out our online contact form. Our staff will schedule your first appointment and advise you on what to bring.
Does Dr. Rubin accept new patients?
Yes, Dr. Rubin is accepting new patients. Please call our office to schedule your initial evaluation.
Insurance & Billing
What insurance plans does Dr. Rubin accept?
Dr. Rubin accepts Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, BCBS Anthem, HealthNet, HIP, Humana Medicare, Local 1199 PPO, Magnacare, MultiPlan/PHCS PPO, NYS Empire Plan, Oxford, United Empire, United Healthcare, HGI, and many more. Call us to verify your specific plan.
Do I need a referral?
This depends on your insurance plan. Many plans allow direct access to specialists; others require a primary care referral. Call our office and we can help verify your requirements before your visit.
Do you offer self-pay pricing?
Yes. For patients without insurance or for treatments not covered by insurance (such as PRP therapy or certain regenerative treatments), we offer self-pay pricing. Please call our office for current pricing information.
Are PRP and ketamine infusions covered by insurance?
PRP therapy for joint and musculoskeletal conditions is generally not covered by Medicare or most commercial insurance and is self-pay. Ketamine infusions for chronic pain are also typically not covered by insurance at this time, as this is considered off-label use. We will always tell you upfront what to expect with your specific insurance.
Your First Visit
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your photo ID, insurance cards, a list of all current medications, any recent imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray) with the written reports if available, and any relevant medical records from treating physicians. A referral from your primary care doctor is needed if required by your insurance.
How long is the first appointment?
New patient appointments are typically 45–60 minutes. Dr. Rubin takes the time to thoroughly review your history and imaging, perform a physical examination, and discuss a treatment plan with you.
Will I get a procedure on my first visit?
Typically no. The first visit is a consultation to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan. Procedures are scheduled separately after Dr. Rubin has reviewed your case and prior authorization from your insurance has been obtained when required.
Procedures & Treatments
Are the injections painful?
Most procedures are performed with local anesthetic to numb the area first. The numbing injection causes a brief sting, after which most patients feel pressure but not significant pain during the procedure. IV sedation is available for anxious patients for most procedures.
Can I drive after a procedure?
No. You must have a driver for all procedures. Local anesthetic used during and after the procedure can temporarily affect the injected area, and sedation medications — when used — require that you not drive for the rest of the day.
How long before I feel relief after an injection?
This varies by procedure and patient. After a steroid injection, relief typically begins within 3–7 days as the steroid takes effect, with maximum benefit at 1–3 weeks. The local anesthetic component may provide immediate but temporary relief on the day of the procedure.
How many injections will I need?
This is individualized and depends on your condition and response to treatment. Some patients achieve lasting relief after one injection; others benefit from a series. Dr. Rubin will guide you based on your specific response.
Are there non-injection options?
Yes. Dr. Rubin offers a full range of non-injection treatments including high-power laser therapy, PRP therapy, oral medications (including low dose naltrexone and other non-opioid options), and referrals for complementary therapies. Interventional procedures are one component of a comprehensive pain management plan.
What is Dr. Rubin's position on opioid prescribing?
Dr. Rubin's philosophy is non-opioid first. He focuses on interventional procedures, regenerative treatments, and non-opioid medications to address pain at its source. For patients already on opioid therapy, he works to optimize and potentially reduce opioid dependence through targeted interventional care. He does not prescribe opioids to new patients at the first visit.
Still have questions?
Call us at 516-492-3100 or send us a message and we'll be happy to help.
Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?
Call our office or request an appointment online. Most major insurance plans accepted.