Here are some of the most common questions that patients have regarding our pain specialist services in Singapore.
General Pain Specialist FAQs
What exactly is a pain specialist?
A pain specialist is a doctor trained specifically to diagnose and manage complex pain conditions. They look beyond symptoms to identify the underlying causes of pain and tailor treatment plans that may include medications, interventional procedures, physiotherapy and lifestyle support to improve quality of life.
When should I consider seeing a pain specialist?
You may benefit from seeing a pain specialist if you are experiencing chronic pain that lasts for over 3 months, affects your daily activities or sleep or hasn’t improved with standard treatments from your GP or other doctors.
How can a pain specialist help me?
A pain specialist helps you understand why your pain is happening and how it affects your daily life. By looking at the whole picture, and not just the direct symptoms, pain specialists can help you identify the root cause and guide you toward relief, better function and an improved quality of life— especially when pain has become persistent or difficult to manage.
Diagnosis & Treatment FAQs
How do pain specialists diagnose the source of pain?
Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and exam, often supported by imaging and diagnostic tests to pinpoint the structures involved. A pain specialist may collaborate with other professionals, such as physiotherapists or neurologists, to ensure a comprehensive assessment can be concluded.
What treatment options are available during pain management?
Modern pain management often focuses on minimally invasive, evidence-based treatments. These include nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, regenerative therapy, trigger point injections and other interventional techniques that can provide significant relief with shorter recovery times and fewer risks than surgery.
Is surgery always necessary to treat chronic pain?
No. Many pain conditions can be managed without surgery. Pain specialists focus on identifying the cause of pain and first use targeted, minimally invasive treatments to reduce pain, improve function and support recovery.
Are pain management treatments the same for everyone?
Patient Experience FAQs
What should I expect at my first appointment?
During your first appointment, you can expect a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history and any previous appointments with doctors. Your pain specialist will perform a clinical evaluation and explain possible underlying causes of your pain, as well as discuss treatment options tailored to your situation.
Will pain management completely cure my pain?
Pain management will not always get rid of pain permanently. While some conditions can be resolved completely, others may require ongoing management. The goal of pain management is to reduce your pain to a tolerable level, improve function and help you regain control of your life. Many patients may experience significant improvements in daily comfort and mobility with the right plan.
Are pain management treatments safe?
Most advanced pain treatments are minimally invasive and evidence-based. Our specialist will explain risks and benefits before any procedure, and monitor you closely to ensure that treatment continues to be safe and effective.
Lifestyle & Pain Management FAQs
Can lifestyle changes help manage pain?
Yes. Healthy habits like regular exercise and movement, good sleep, stress management and ergonomic adjustments can support long-term pain control alongside medical treatments. Pain specialists often include these components in a tailored care plan.
Should I avoid daily activities if I am in pain?
This depends on the root cause of your pain. Avoiding all physical activity can sometimes worsen pain over time. A balanced approach that maintains safe, gradual activity is often more helpful than complete rest. Your pain specialist will be able to give you advice tailored to your individual situation.
Does pain management involve physiotherapy?
On occasion, pain management may indeed involve physiotherapy. Physiotherapy strengthens muscles, improves flexibility and mobility, and helps correct movement patterns that may contribute to pain. It’s an important part of many pain management strategies and works well alongside interventional care.
Insurance & Payment FAQs
Do you accept insurance or MediSave?
Yes, many of our treatments are eligible for insurance claims and/or MediSave, subject to your policy terms and prevailing MOH guidelines. Coverage varies depending on your insurer, plan type and the specific treatment recommended.
Which insurance plans do you work with?
We work with most major local and international insurers, including AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, Singlife and AXA. As coverage differs between policies, we recommend contacting your insurer or allowing our clinic team to assist with a preliminary eligibility check prior to treatment.
Can I use my Integrated Shield Plan for treatment at your clinic?
Integrated Shield Plans may cover certain pain management procedures, particularly those performed in a day surgery or hospital setting. Coverage depends on your plan tier, rider, and medical indication. Our team can help guide you on pursuing the necessary documentation.
Will my insurance fully cover the cost of treatment?
Insurance coverage varies by policy. While some patients may enjoy full or near-full coverage, others may have co-payments, deductibles, or claim limits. We aim to be transparent about estimated costs upfront so you can make an informed decision.
Can I request a Letter of Guarantee (LOG)?
A Letter of Guarantee may be available for eligible inpatient or day surgery procedures, depending on your insurer and policy. Our clinic team will assist with the application process where applicable.
Do you provide medical reports for insurance claims?
Yes. Medical reports can be provided to support insurance or employer claims. Please note that professional fees apply for detailed medical reports, as they require time for clinical review and documentation.
What documents are required for insurance claims?
Commonly required documents include:
- Medical report or doctor’s memo
- Itemised bill and receipt
- Procedure details
- Imaging or investigation reports (if requested by the insurer)
Our staff will guide you on what is needed based on your insurer’s requirements.
Can I proceed with treatment if I’m unsure about my insurance coverage?
Yes, you can. Treatment decisions are typically made based on clinical considerations. Patients who are uncertain about their insurance coverage may wish to clarify benefits, exclusions and potential costs with their insurer or the clinic team before proceeding.
Do you offer transparent cost estimates before treatment?
Whenever possible, we aim to provide estimated costs in advance, including professional fees and facility charges, so patients can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected expenses. Estimates are typically subject to the final treatment plan, facility charges and individual insurance arrangements.
What if my insurance claim is rejected?
Insurance claims are assessed by insurers based on individual policy terms. In the event of a rejection, patients may seek clarification from their insurer and, where appropriate, request supporting documentation related to the treatment provided.
Will insurance considerations affect the treatment I receive?
A: No. Treatment recommendations are always based on medical requirements and what is clinically appropriate for your condition. Insurance coverage is considered separately to help patients plan financially, but usually does not determine the level of care provided.
