Frequently Asked Questions

Getting an Appointment

WHAT TYPE OF INSURANCE DO YOU TAKE?

What type of insurance do you take?

We accept the following insurance programs and their subsidiaries.

BC/BS – Anthem
Cigna
Medicare
Tricare
United Healthcare
Aetna
Humana
Sentara Health (Optima)

We are not participating with Medicaid, Mediciad dual or other Medicaid hybrid programs.

This list is subject to change. Please contact your insurance company if you have any questions regarding your benefits or coverage.

HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

Please ask your doctor to contact our office to set up your initial consultation visit. Your doctor’s office must also fax to our office any notes regarding your previous care 48 hours prior to your appointment; if they do not, we may have to reschedule your appointment. What do I need to bring to my first appointment? Please be certain to bring your insurance cards and a photo identification to your visit. Be sure to also bring a complete list of your medications, including the strength and dosing instructions.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

You do need what is called a “doctor to doctor” referral to make an appointment. Just ask your family physician to contact our office to set up your initial consultation visit. Your doctor’s office must also fax to our office any notes regarding your previous care 48 hours prior to your appointment; if they do not, we may have to reschedule your appointment.

WILL I NEED A COPAY?

You may need to pay a copay, depending on your insurance coverage. The amount varies but is often listed on the front of the insurance card. Your relationship with your insurance company is between you and your insurance company. As a courtesy, there are some items with which me may assist, but should you have questions about your insurance coverage, it is best to contact the insurer directly to advise you before scheduling your visit. There is often a “member service” phone number on the insurance card.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE UNDERGOING SURGERY FOR MY PAIN?

Surgery should be a last resort, but all too often it is among the first solutions people seek when they are in pain. Invasive treatments, from injections to surgeries should be introduced only after osteopathic therapies, physical therapy, as well as other conservative measures have been explored. In most cases, a combination of traditional and alternative therapies can create lasting relief.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PAIN

WHAT TYPES OF PAIN DO YOU ADDRESS?

Our focus is on functional wellness. We are trained to help you alleviate musculoskeletal pain in your joints, bones, muscles, tendons, nerves and more. Some of the symptoms patients contact us for include:

Neck Pain
Elbow Pain
Hand Pain
Low Back Pain
Herniated Discs
Spinal Stenosis
Sciatica
Facet Syndrome
SI joint dysfunction
Spinal Compression Fracture
Post-Surgical Pain
Myofascial Pain
RSD/CRPS
Fibromyalgia
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Feet Pain
Arthritis Pain
Sports Injury

WHAT TYPES OF PAIN DON'T YOU ADDRESS?

We focus specifically on musculoskeletal pain. If your pain source is caused by something other than this, we will refer you to a partner who can help.

WHAT IS A D.O.?

Ben Seeman is a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Osteopaths are fully licensed medical physicians practicing in all areas of medicine, but D.O.’s receive special training in the musculoskeletal system and take a comprehensive, whole-person, hands-on approach.

What is your approach to treating neck and back pain?

Integrative Pain Specialists focus on identifying the source of pain and treating it with non-surgical options like spinal injections, physical therapy, and nerve stimulation to reduce pain and restore movement.

Can you help with pain from a workplace injury in Virginia?

Yes. Integrative Pain Specialists is an experienced workers’ comp practice and we work with patients and their case managers across Virginia to provide specialized care, thorough documentation, and effective treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M HAVING A PAIN EMERGENCY?

If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact 911 immediately.

ARE THERE THINGS I CAN DO MYSELF THAT WILL REDUCE MY PAIN?

Absolutely. Small changes to your health habits, from improving your posture to dietary modifications can make a great impact on your recovery.

What chronic pain conditions do Integrative Pain Specialists treat?

Integrative Pain Specialists treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, upper back pain, foot pain, and other forms of nerve-related pain.

Do you offer personalized treatment plans for each patient?

Absolutely. Every patient receives a customized plan based on their medical history, symptoms, lifestyle goals, and treatment response, with the goal of improving function and getting you back to life!

TREATMENT OPTIONS

WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE PAIN CARE?

Integrative pain care is a combination of traditional medicine and alternative therapies designed to treat a patient’s pain at the source.

WHAT KIND OF PAIN TREATMENT DO YOU OFFER?

We are an integrative pain care practice. Our approach to pain is to address it at the source and prescribe a combination of therapies to provide our patients with lasting pain relief.

WHY WON'T YOU PRESCRIBE NARCOTICS/OPIODS?

All too often narcotics are prescribed unnecessarily and in the worst cases, they can exacerbate the problem and potentially lead to addiction. Many patients come to us after a series of invasive procedures or a host of prescription drug cocktails have failed to alleviate their pain. We aim to prescribe the right treatment for the right problem and have found that in most cases, patients find lasting relief through a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle modifications and non-narcotic medications.

CAN MY PAIN BE CURED?

Whether or not pain is curable is different for every patient. Instead of masking pain symptoms, we’ll work with you to identify and treat pain at the source and develop an integrative plan to provide lasting pain relief.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I FEEL THE EFFECTS OF AN INJECTION?

Minimally invasive injections can be effective in treating pain. It can take 2-5 days – two weeks to feel full effect and the relief can last for months or more.

WHAT DO WE DO IF THESE INJECTIONS DON'T WORK?

It is unusual for injections to be completely ineffective, but we will continue to follow up with you post-treatment to determine what next steps, if any, are necessary.

5901 WEST BROAD STREET, RICHMOND, VA 23230