What to Expect at Your Nevro HFX Consultation

You’ve decided to explore Nevro HFX as a treatment option for your chronic pain. Congratulations! That’s the first step in finding a long-term pain relief solution that doesn’t require drugs or major invasive surgery.

A consultation with an HFX doctor is necessary to determine if HFX is the right chronic pain treatment for you. It’s natural to have questions or concerns about how to schedule this consultation, how to prepare for it, what it will cost, and what to expect at your first pain management visit.

This article will explain what happens at this initial appointment and what you can expect going forward. We’ve also included tips to help you get the most out of your time at your HFX consultation.

How much will my HFX consultation cost?

First and foremost, if this is your first pain management visit, you may be wondering about the cost. In most cases, you can expect to pay your regular copay for a specialist visit.

All major insurance providers cover HFX including Medicare and Tricare. Be sure to bring your insurance card to your appointment. At your initial consultation, you and your doctor can discuss insurance coverage requirements. Learn more about the cost and coverage details for HFX here.

Who should I see for my HFX consultation?

You will need to schedule a consultation with an HFX doctor. HFX doctors are pain management specialists who have been trained in the minimally invasive procedure to get HFX and are experienced with HFX. You may have already been referred to one by another doctor. If not, HFX doctors are available nationwide and you can search the physician finder tool to find an HFX doctor near you.

It’s important to see an HFX doctor because only they have the experience and knowledge to determine if HFX is right for you. Learn more about how to choose the right pain management doctor.

Who is a good candidate for HFX?  

An HFX doctor will determine if you’re a good candidate for HFX by reviewing your medical history. The doctor will consider:

• The type of pain you’re experiencing
• Your pain location(s)
• The severity and characteristics of your pain
• How long you’ve had pain
• Previous treatment options or procedures you’ve tried

HFX is an advanced treatment option for people who have not had success with other treatments. If you haven’t found relief with physical therapy, medications, injections, surgery, or even a traditional spinal cord stimulator, it’s possible that HFX could be your solution to lasting pain relief. Learn more about who is and isn’t a good candidate for HFX.

What can I expect during my first pain management consultation visit?

Your first visit usually involves a detailed evaluation of your pain history, a physical exam, pain assessment, and diagnostic tests. As far as the check-in procedure, it really isn’t any different than at any other doctor’s office when you’re a new patient. You will check in at the front desk and complete paperwork while waiting for your doctor to meet you. Then you will be called into the exam room.

At your consultation, your doctor will provide a complete evaluation, discuss HFX in further detail, and answer any questions you have. Your doctor will also review any recent MRI or CT imaging and order additional imaging if needed.

Your doctor will ask what treatments you have tried in the past. It’s important to fully discuss the past treatment options you’ve explored, such as physical therapy, over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, injections, surgery, and anything else you’ve tried. Did they work temporarily or not at all? Were there side effects you didn’t like?

You should try to provide as much information as possible about your pain management history, expectations, goals, and why you are considering using HFX to manage your pain. This will help your doctor better understand how to best treat your condition and determine if you are a good candidate for HFX.

Your initial consultation is your time to ask your doctor questions about HFX, including about your specific insurance coverage. The first pain management visit won’t include the treatment procedure itself.

To best prepare for your appointment and know what questions you have, watch this video that explains how HFX works:

What questions will my pain management doctor ask me?

To help you prepare, here are some common questions you might be asked at your first pain management visit:

• Where is your pain?
• How long have you been experiencing pain?
• What does your pain feel like?
• How often do you feel pain?
• How does your pain impact your everyday functioning?
• What makes your pain better?
• How does your pain affect your sleep?
• What treatment options have you already tried?

Your first visit is also a chance for you to ask your doctor questions about HFX. It’s a good idea to write down your questions and bring them to your appointment. For example, you may want to ask:

• Does HFX work for people like me?
• Is HFX safe?
• How do I know if HFX is the right treatment option for me?
• How does the trial work?
• What will my insurance cover?

Will my consultation include the procedure?

No, your initial consultation will not include the procedure itself.

What should I bring to my HFX consultation?

Your HFX consultation will require many of the same things you would bring to any other doctor’s appointment. These include:

• Referral information (if you were referred by another doctor)
• Insurance card
• Government-issued ID/driver’s license
• Any medical records, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, related to your pain condition(s)
• List of questions for your doctor

To make sure you have a successful HFX consultation, save your appointment in your phone so you don’t forget.

Make sure you have transportation figured out beforehand, and if you would like, feel free to bring a friend, family member, or caregiver for support.

Some insurance plans offer transportation to doctor appointments for people who can’t use public or private transportation. It’s called non-emergency medical transport. Because rules and requirements can vary, it’s important to check your specific plan to see what’s included. If you need help with transportation, you can call your insurance provider to see if they offer this benefit.

What are the next steps after my consultation?

After your initial consultation, your doctor will provide the next steps. These may include:

• Connecting with a local Nevro HFX Care Team member to receive personalized support
• Getting MRI imaging (if you don’t have recent images)
• Having routine blood work done
• Completing a psychological evaluation

The psychological evaluation is a normal and important step in determining if HFX is your next best treatment option. In fact, getting a spinal cord stimulator isn’t the only procedure where a psychological evaluation is required. It’s a typical part of the pre-surgical process for people undergoing cosmetic and weight loss surgeries, in vitro fertilization, and other procedures, as well.

In many cases, a psychological exam is required by insurance providers. You can learn more about why you’ll need a psychological evaluation and what to expect here.

What happens after that?

The next step in the process is trying HFX temporarily to see if it’s right for you. Unlike other chronic pain treatment options, you get to try HFX first for one week before you decide to get the implant. Think of it as a chance to “test drive” this treatment with a temporary device that is worn externally.

The trial procedure takes about an hour and is very similar to an epidural injection. It doesn’t require any incisions. The temporary device is taped to your back and is easily covered by your clothes. You’ll go home the same day.

There are a few minor restrictions during the trial period, such as not twisting or bending or getting the device wet. But generally, you’re encouraged to maintain your typical daily routine and even try activities your pain has prevented you from doing.

The trial is an opportunity for you to evaluate your pain relief and any improvements in your quality of life to see if HFX helps meet your pain management goals. Some people notice immediate relief, while others notice a difference a day or two into the trial week.

If you get at least 50% pain relief during your trial, then you’ll have the option to move forward with the implant. Learn more about the trial here: Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial: What You Need to Know.

Your HFX Coach can help you find an HFX doctor 

Before you schedule your HFX consultation, take this short assessment today to see if you qualify for HFX. At the end, you can request a call from an HFX Coach who will help you find an HFX doctor in your area to schedule your consultation.