What to Expect at Your First Pain Management Appointment

Walking into a pain management clinic for the first time can feel overwhelming. You may have tried other treatments without lasting results, or you may have just received a referral and are not sure what to expect. Understanding how that first visit works can ease your anxiety and help you make the most of your appointment.

At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, we have guided patients through this process for over 30 years. This guide walks you through exactly what happens at your first pain management appointment, from the paperwork you complete before you arrive to the personalized treatment plan you leave with.

Ready to take the first step toward relief? You do not need a doctor’s referral to visit our clinic. Book your appointment online or call us at (502) 995-4004 — we are available 24/7.

Do You Need a Referral for Pain Management?

One of the most common misconceptions is that you must have a doctor’s referral to see a pain management specialist. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, you do not need a referral. You can schedule your first appointment directly by calling our office or using our online booking system.

That said, many patients do come to us through referrals from primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and other specialists. If your doctor has referred you, bring all related documentation to your appointment. The more information we have about your history, the better equipped we are to create a treatment plan from day one.

What to Bring to Your First Pain Management Appointment

Preparation makes a significant difference in how productive your first visit can be. Before you arrive, gather the following:

• Photo ID and insurance card — We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and 17 major commercial insurance plans, as well as workers’ compensation.
• Complete list of current medications — Include dosages and how often you take each one, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
• Medical records and imaging — MRI reports, X-rays, CT scans, and prior specialist notes are especially valuable.
• Referral paperwork — If your primary care physician or another specialist referred you, bring that documentation.
• Pain diary or symptom notes — Noting when your pain is worst, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects daily activities helps our team understand your experience.
• List of previous treatments — Physical therapy, prior injections, surgeries, or medications you have already tried.

Step-by-Step: What Happens at Your First Pain Management Visit

Step 1 — Registration and Intake Forms

When you arrive, you will complete new patient registration forms covering your medical history, current health status, pain levels, and wellness goals. If you have access to our patient portal, you may be able to complete some of this paperwork ahead of time, which reduces your waiting time on the day of your appointment.

Our front office team will also verify your insurance and review your referral documents at this stage. We have insurance authorization specialists on staff who handle pre-treatment verification at no charge to you.

Step 2 — Medical History Review and Pain Assessment

Once you are with the care team, a nurse or medical assistant will review your intake forms and conduct an initial assessment. This typically includes:

• Vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
• A detailed review of your current medications
• Questions about the location, character, and intensity of your pain
• How your pain affects sleep, work, and daily functioning
• Prior treatments and their outcomes

We use standardized pain scales and functional assessments to establish a baseline. This documentation is important because it allows us to track your progress over time and objectively measure whether treatments are working.

Step 3 — Physician Consultation with Dr. Nair

You will then meet with Dr. Ajith Nair, MD, board-certified in six areas including Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology, and Integrative Medicine. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Nair is known for taking time to understand each patient’s unique story rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

During this consultation, Dr. Nair will:

• Review your medical history and prior imaging in detail
• Ask in-depth questions about your pain and how it affects your life
• Perform a physical and neurological examination
• Discuss your treatment goals and what “success” looks like for you

This is also the time to ask any questions you have. Many patients worry about being judged or not taken seriously — at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, every patient is treated as an individual with their own circumstances.

Step 4 — Diagnostic Testing (If Needed)

Depending on your condition and the information available, Dr. Nair may order additional diagnostic tests during or after your first visit. These might include:

• New imaging studies (MRI, X-ray, or CT scan) if current images are outdated
• Electrodiagnostic tests such as EMG or nerve conduction studies
• Laboratory work to screen for underlying conditions
• Diagnostic nerve blocks to identify the exact source of your pain

Diagnostic precision is central to how we practice medicine. Identifying the root cause of your pain, rather than just treating symptoms, leads to more effective and longer-lasting results.

Step 5 — Treatment Plan Discussion

After your evaluation, Dr. Nair will present a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Our approach follows progressive treatment escalation, starting with the least invasive options and advancing only as needed.

Your plan may include one or more of the following, depending on your diagnosis:

• Interventional procedures: Epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, facet joint injections, sacroiliac joint injections
• Neuromodulation therapies: Spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, intrathecal pain pump therapy
• Integrative and holistic approaches: IV nutrition therapy, post-COVID stellate ganglion block treatment
• Medication management: With a strong emphasis on opioid-alternative strategies
• Coordinated referrals: Physical therapy, psychology, or other specialists when appropriate

We will walk you through the evidence, expected outcomes, and any risks for each recommended option. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate actively in decisions about your care. No treatment is scheduled without your informed consent.

Kentuckiana Pain Specialists offers same-day nerve blocks for appropriate patients. If you are in acute pain, call us at (502) 995-4004 to discuss whether this option is right for you.

How to Prepare Mentally for Your First Pain Management Visit

Beyond the practical logistics, it is worth taking a moment to prepare yourself mentally. Many patients who walk into a pain management clinic for the first time have spent months or years dealing with pain that has disrupted every aspect of their life. They may have seen multiple providers who were unable to offer a solution, and they may arrive feeling frustrated, skeptical, or simply exhausted.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Your pain will be taken seriously. Pain management specialists are trained specifically to evaluate and treat complex chronic pain. You will not be dismissed or told the pain is “just stress.”
• There is no single right answer. The best treatment plan varies from person to person. Be open to options you may not have considered before.
• Progress takes time. Some treatments provide immediate relief. Others take several sessions or weeks to show full effect. Be patient and communicate openly with your care team.
• You are a partner in your care. Dr. Nair and our team will make recommendations, but you have the final say in every treatment decision. Ask questions and voice any concerns before proceeding.

Will I Receive Treatment on My First Visit?

Some patients receive treatment on their first visit, particularly diagnostic or therapeutic nerve blocks when appropriate. In most cases, however, the first appointment is focused on gathering information, performing a thorough evaluation, and creating the right plan before beginning any procedures.

This approach ensures that your treatment is appropriate for your specific diagnosis rather than a general protocol. Rushing into procedures without a clear understanding of the underlying problem often leads to suboptimal outcomes — something we work hard to avoid.

Common Questions Patients Have at Their First Visit

Is pain management only for people who have had surgery?

No. Pain management is appropriate for a wide range of patients, including those who have never had surgery and those who have chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or cancer-related pain. Surgery is rarely a first-line recommendation.

Will I be prescribed opioids?

Dr. Nair is committed to reducing reliance on opioids. Our practice emphasizes interventional and integrative treatments that address the source of pain without increasing systemic medication exposure. When medications are part of a plan, they are carefully selected and monitored.

How long will my first appointment take?

Plan for one to two hours for a first visit. New patient evaluations are comprehensive, and we do not rush through them. Completing your intake paperwork before arriving can help reduce your time in the waiting area.

What insurance does Kentuckiana Pain Specialists accept?

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, and 17 major commercial insurance carriers. Our team handles pre-authorization at no charge. If you are uninsured or prefer self-pay, flexible payment options are available.

Do I need to bring someone with me?

You are welcome to bring a family member or caregiver. Some patients find it helpful to have someone else present to take notes during the consultation, particularly when a lot of new information is discussed. If you receive a procedure involving sedation, having someone drive you home is required.

What Happens After Your First Appointment?

After your visit, you may be scheduled for:

• Additional diagnostic testing
• A follow-up consultation to review results before starting treatment
• A first procedure at our on-site ambulatory surgery center
• Coordination with your referring physician or other providers

Our ambulatory surgery center is Joint Commission-accredited and operates at 45 to 60 percent lower cost than hospital-based procedures, with significantly reduced infection rates and faster scheduling. For many patients, this is a meaningful advantage over waiting weeks for a hospital operating room slot.

To learn more about specific treatments we offer, see our guides on radiofrequency ablation for back pain, spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, and what a nerve block involves. For a broader look at managing chronic pain, our article on evidence-based strategies for chronic pain is a good starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to a pain management appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area where you are experiencing pain. If you have back, neck, or leg pain, avoid tight jeans or constrictive clothing. Some patients are asked to change into a gown for the physical examination.

Can I eat before my first pain management appointment?

For a standard consultation, there are no dietary restrictions. If a procedure is planned on the same day that requires sedation or anesthesia, you will receive specific fasting instructions in advance. When in doubt, call our office before your visit.

What if I am nervous about seeing a pain specialist?

Feeling nervous is normal, especially if you have had previous medical experiences where your pain was not taken seriously. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, our staff is trained in patient-centered care. We take time to listen, explain options clearly, and never pressure patients into any treatment. You are always in control of your care decisions.

How soon can I get an appointment at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists?

We offer flexible scheduling and work to reduce wait times compared to hospital systems. You can request an appointment online at any time or call us at (502) 995-4004. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and our phone line is available 24/7.

What areas does Kentuckiana Pain Specialists serve?

We have two convenient locations: one in Louisville at 3710 Chamberlain Ln Suite A, and one in Radcliff (serving the Elizabethtown area) at 650 W Lincoln Trail Blvd. We serve patients from across the Louisville metro area and surrounding communities including Crestwood, Jeffersontown, St. Matthews, Lyndon, Prospect, and many others.

Take the First Step Toward Lasting Pain Relief

A first pain management appointment is the starting point for a more informed, personalized approach to your chronic pain. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, you will work with a board-certified physician who has spent more than three decades helping patients in Kentucky reclaim their lives from pain.

You do not need to continue managing pain alone or waiting for it to resolve on its own. A comprehensive evaluation gives you answers, options, and a clear path forward.

Explore our full range of pain management treatments or schedule your visit today.

Many patients also wonder how soon they will feel results after starting care. Our guide on how long pain management takes to work explains realistic timelines for injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and implantable therapies.

Schedule your first appointment today. Call (502) 995-4004 (available 24/7) or book online at any time. No referral required. Serving Louisville, Elizabethtown, Radcliff, and surrounding Kentucky communities.