Your doctor has recommended an Intracept procedure (Ip) to manage your pain. The Intracept
procedure is an FDA-approved, drug-free therapy that relieves chronic pain and helps you
reclaim some quality of life. Your physician and pain management team will explain how the
Intracept procedure uses radio frequency heat to disable the basivertebral nerve, preventing it
from transmitting pain signals to the brain without the need for implants or hardware. Under
general anesthesia or heavy sedation, a doctor guides a specialized probe into the affected
vertebrae using real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance. Then radio frequency energy is used to
heat the nerve, permanently stopping its ability to send pain signals. The procedure takes about
60 to 90 minutes, and patients generally return home the same day.
 

The psychological evaluation is a positive step toward controlling your pain and is required by
your insurance carrier as part of a standard protocol for eligibility for the procedure. It is
intended to assess your psychological suitability to ensure your safety and wellbeing. It provides
a starting point where you can begin to move forward at a pace that you’re comfortable with
while gaining confidence towards managing your pain effectively.
 

Your psychological evaluation begins with a consultation which provides you with an
opportunity to discuss how your past and current experiences have brought you to consider an
Intracept procedure and to discuss the symptoms that are getting in the way of doing the things
that matter most to you. During the evaluation process we will talk through the psychological
measures which help me understand your emotional wellbeing and how you process stress and
manage pain. This provides a more comprehensive view of your psychological framework.
Once completed, I will review the results with you, answer your questions, address any
remaining concerns, and if needed, offer you suggestions to help tailor your treatment plan to
your unique psychological framework. I'll then send the report to your physician.

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While most people are great candidates for this procedure, we simply like to ensure there aren't any psychological, emotional, cognitive, or lifestyle factors that might impact your safety or recovery. If Intracept procedure isn't the best fit for you right now, I’ll update your physician with detailed feedback to ensure they have the information needed to recommend alternative treatments or help you effectively manage your pain until you're ready to reconsider Intracept procedure.

Our assessment provides safeguards that Intracept procedure is a psychologically good fit for
you and is fully aligned with your wellness goals so you can focus on the moments that matter
most and get back to the activities you enjoy.