What to Expect at Your Pain Management Appointment
Living with pain can bring uncertainty and questions about what comes next. At Pain Consultants of East Tennessee, we take time to listen, explain your options, and help you understand the next steps in your care.
Your appointments are an opportunity to discuss how pain affects your daily life, what you have already tried, and what you hope to improve. We work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your needs, medical history, and goals.
Your First Visit
Your first visit focuses on understanding your pain and how it affects you. Your provider will review your medical history, previous treatments, available records and imaging, and current medications. An examination helps guide recommendations for your care.
Be ready to discuss activities that have become difficult, changes in your sleep or mobility, and any questions or concerns. Goals such as walking more comfortably, completing household tasks, or participating in family activities help us understand what matters most to you.
Depending on your evaluation, recommendations may include additional testing, medication management, physical or occupational therapy, behavioral health support, or injections and interventional procedures when appropriate. Not every patient needs every treatment, and an initial evaluation does not automatically lead to a procedure or a medication prescription.
Before you leave, we will explain the recommended next steps and any follow-up needed. When appropriate, we share information with your referring provider to support coordination of your care.
Watch the video for an introduction to your first visit.
Your Follow Up Visit
Follow-up visits help us understand how your treatment plan is working. Your provider will ask about changes in your pain, daily activities, sleep, and overall function, along with any side effects or concerns.
Tell us what has improved, what remains difficult, and whether you have encountered barriers to following the plan. This information helps guide decisions about continuing, adjusting, or exploring other treatment options.
If a treatment has not helped as expected, we will review your response and discuss the next appropriate step. When a procedure is recommended, our clinic team coordinates scheduling and care with PCET Surgery Center.
Before leaving, make sure you understand your care instructions, any appointments or testing being arranged, and when to follow up.
Watch the video to learn more about follow-up care.