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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: StimQ PNS

PNS TRIAL

Overview

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is a type of chronic pain management that you can control whenever you need pain relief, and is available to qualifying patients at The Pain Center in San Diego. It works by addressing pain at the source of a damaged nerve.

Unlike a Spinal Cord Stimulation device, which is placed near the spinal cord, a PNS device can be placed near a peripheral nerve at the pain site. This can be useful for some patients, especially those that need targeted pain relief.

Since a Peripheral Nerve Stimulation device must be placed during a minor surgery, we first suggest patients undergo a PNS trial to ensure this type of pain relief is right for them. If you're determined to be an eligible candidate for PNS, you will undergo a testing period where an electrode is connected to an external device rather than an internal one. If the trial successfully manages your pain, you can choose to have an internal device installed.

We will recommend a PNS trial for eligible patients who cannot manage their pain using other methods. To determine if you qualify, we will test to see if an injection of local anesthetic relieves your pain. If it does, this is a positive sign that PNS may work for you, and you can move on to a PNS trial.

Candidates for PNS tend to experience chronic sacroiliac, knee, shoulder, hip, or lower back pain. PNS may be right if other pain management methods like back surgery or Spinal Cord Stimulation have failed to manage your pain.

Once the external trial with a PNS device has been successful, Dr. Thompson will clear you for installing a permanent device. A small surgery will be necessary to implant the PNS device. After the device is implanted, you will wear a small antenna in an undergarment to allow the internal receiver microchip to be controlled by you when you need it. Enjoy your newfound relief from pain!

CONTACT THE PAIN CENTER SAN DIEGO

Phone:

619-578-3740 (Service will terminate on 06/28/2024)

Fax:

208-342-4223

Email:

admin@thepaincentersandiego.com

Address:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Hours:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Forms:

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

NOTICE OF PERMANENT CLOSURE

Dear Valued Patients and Healthcare Professionals,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of The Pain Center – San Diego, effective March 21, 2024. We understand the importance of continuity of care and are committed to assisting you during this transition period.

For patients currently under our care for pain management, we urge you to contact your primary care physician promptly to request a referral to another pain management specialist. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we want to ensure you continue to receive the necessary care and support.

For medication management patients, please note that we have sent 60 days’ worth of medication to your designated pharmacy. It is imperative that you establish care with another healthcare provider before your medication runs out to avoid any interruptions in your treatment plan.

To obtain your medical records, please follow the instructions below:

Request a "Release of Information" Form: You can email us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com to request a "Release of Information" form or you can also find one on our website by following this link AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

Via Request of Another Medical Office: If you wish for your medical records to be transferred to another provider's office, you may sign a written authorization with their office requesting your records be sent to them.

Upon completion of the "Release of Information" form or receipt of written authorization from another medical office, we will send your medical records to the designated receiving party as specified. Please note the following:

  • Records directly to the patient will be provided within 15 days of receiving the request.
  • Other requests may take longer to process (such as to another medical office)
  • Please specify the transmission method for your records: USPS mail (default), email (preferred), or facsimile.
  • Ensure that the form is accurately completed and signed to prevent any delays in processing your request.

Additionally, please be aware of the following:

  • Records will not be compiled until we receive an accurate, completed, and signed written request.
  • Patients are entitled to one free copy of their medical records for personal use.
  • Additional copies will incur copying fees as per California Health & Safety Code Section 123110.
  • Medical records will be retained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this closure and extend our gratitude for your trust and loyalty over the years. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transition period.

Warm regards,


Sandra Thompson, MD

The Pain Center – San Diego