What to Expect at Your First Pain Management Appointment
Making an appointment with a pain management specialist is often a big step — one that many patients wish they'd taken sooner. If you're coming to our office for the first time, here's a detailed guide to what the experience will look like.
Before You Come: What to Bring
Insurance cards and photo ID. We'll need to verify your insurance coverage before the visit.
All imaging. This is the most important thing — bring the actual images (on CD or accessible via a patient portal) and the written radiology reports for any MRI, CT, or X-ray studies related to your pain condition. MRI is particularly important for spinal conditions.
A complete medication list. Include everything: prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins. Dose and frequency are helpful.
Prior records. If you've been seen by other physicians, physical therapists, or specialists, bring those records. Notes from prior pain management visits are especially valuable.
A referral. If your insurance requires a referral from your primary care physician, have this arranged before your appointment.
A pain journal (optional but helpful). If you track when your pain is worst, what makes it better or worse, and what activities it limits, this is valuable clinical information.
The Appointment: What Happens
Check-in. You'll complete updated intake paperwork documenting your health history, prior treatments, and pain description.
History and review. Dr. Rubin will spend significant time reviewing your pain history in detail — when it started, what treatments you've tried, what's worked and what hasn't, and how pain affects your daily life. This is not a rushed process.
Physical examination. A targeted musculoskeletal and neurological examination evaluates the distribution and characteristics of your pain, identifies tender points, tests reflexes and sensation, and assesses range of motion.
Imaging review. Dr. Rubin will review your imaging — bringing actual MRI images rather than just a report gives us significantly more information.
Discussion and plan. Dr. Rubin will explain his assessment of what's causing your pain, the treatment options available, and his recommended plan. You'll have time to ask questions.
After the Visit
Depending on your diagnosis and insurance, the next steps may include:
- Scheduling a procedure or injection
- Obtaining prior authorization from your insurance (our office handles this)
- Starting a new medication
- Referral for physical therapy
- Ordering additional imaging
Some procedures can be scheduled relatively quickly. Others require prior authorization, which takes 5–10 business days. Our staff will keep you informed.
Frequently Asked Questions About the First Visit
Will I get a procedure today? Typically no — the first visit is a consultation to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Should I skip my medications before coming? Continue your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. Never stop opioid medications abruptly.
What if I'm not sure what my diagnosis is? That's fine — that's what the evaluation is for. Many patients come with vague or conflicting information from prior providers. We'll work through the diagnosis together.
We look forward to meeting you. Call 516-492-3100 to schedule your first appointment.