FAQ's aBOUT pAIN

How can I find out if I am a candidate for minimally invasive procedures?

The only way to know if you are a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure is to be seen by one of Omega's doctors. The doctor will take into account your medical history and perform a physical examination. Depending on specific situations, the doctor might order radiological imaging in order to pinpoint the source of pain.

Can you help me if I have had back surgery and continue to have pain?

A large percentage of Omega's patients suffer from post-laminectomy syndrome. At Omega, our primary goal is to aggressively treat pain with several different approaches to return patients to their normal daily activities.

Will I need someone with me during my procedure?

Yes, it is recommended that a patient does not drive for at least 24 hours after a procedure.

How soon after a procedure can I drive?

It is recommended that a patient does not drive for at least 24 hours after a procedure.

If I come from out of state, will I have to come back to Omega for a follow-up visit?

With all of our patients, both local and out of state, we do our best to accommodate special circumstances. However, any patient receiving Schedule II narcotics must be seen at the clinic at least once a month.

What is pain?

Pain is both a personal emotional experience as well as the result of complex physiological adaptations of molecular and biological function. The official definition of pain, as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain, is "An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage.

Is there any medication that can help my condition?

Medications are available for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes, however, not all chronic pain syndromes respond to medication therapy. For this reason, it is important to discuss potential medication treatment options with a qualified medical practitioner.

Besides medication, what else might help me?

Treatment options which may be utilized aside from, or in conjunction with medication include: physical therapy, acupuncture, electro-stimulation, nerve blocks, steroid injections, and biofeedback.

How long is the waiting list at Omega?

The average wait for new patients to be seen at Omega is between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on the current patient volume.

What is nociceptive pain?

Nociceptive pain is an uncomfortable sensation associated with injurious stimulation like damaged tissue. A bruise is an example of nociceptive pain.

What is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain arises from injury or irritation of the nerve directly.

What is referred pain?

Referred pain is felt in a location other than the site of painful stimulus. An example of referred pain is pain in the left arm after suffering from a heart attack.

Is Omega seeing new patients?

Yes, we ask that you have your last 5 office visits faxed to us as well as any imaging (MRI, CT scans, etc.) that are available, and your demographics.

Where did the doctors train?

Please see our providers section.

Does Omega accept insurance?

Yes, Omega accepts most insurance plans including: ACS US DOL WC, Aetna, Altius, Cigna, EMI Health (Educators Mutual), Humana, Medicare, Multiplan/ PHCS, PEHP Preferred Care, PEHP Advantage Care, PEHP Summit, Regence BCBS, Select Health/ IHC (Choice and Care only), TriCare/TriWest (Workers Compensation of Utah), UHC, and Wise Provider Network.

Insurance plans that we are currently not accepting include Medicaid, Health Utah Network, and Molina.

If you have insurance questions or concerns, call us at 801-261-4988.

Does Omega participate with Medicare?

Yes, Omega does participate with Medicare.

Does Omega accept Medicaid patients?

No, unfortunately at this time Omega is not participating with the Medicaid program.

Will the doctor prescribe the same mediation I am currently taking?

Not necessarily. A thorough history assessment and evaluation will be performed by a skilled physician, including a review of past medical records and imaging studies to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. We tailor each treatment plan to fit the individual patient which may or may not include any current medications.

What should I have when I come for my appointment?

When coming in for an initial evaluation we ask that you bring:

A photo ID
Your insurance card
Questions for the doctor
A filled-out new patient packet
Prior to your visit we ask that you have your primary care physician or previous pain physician fax us the last 5 office visits as well as any imaging studies performed for your symptoms.

Are the new patient registration forms available online?

Yes, new Patient Packets are available here.

Do you only prescribe medication?

No, we treat pain with a multi-faceted approach. Treatment options which may be utilized aside from, or in conjunction with medication include: physical therapy, acupuncture, electro-stimulation, nerve blocks, steroid injections, and biofeedback.

What kinds of procedures do you perform?

All minimally invasive procedures used to treat acute and chronic pain syndromes are performed by the interventional physicians at the pain clinic. For a full list of procedures, visit our procedures page.

Do you perform physical therapy?

Yes. Although we don't have physical therapists on site, we work in conjunction with several qualified physical therapists.

Do you perform acupuncture?

Yes. Our pain psychiatrist, Dr. Thomas Trauba, has had special training in acupuncture which has shown to be very effective in some patients.

Does Omega see children?

No, unfortunately Omega is not currently seeing patients under the age of 18.

What can I expect on my visit?

A thorough history assessment and evaluation will be performed by a skilled physician as well as review of past medical records and imaging studies to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. We tailor each treatment plan to fit the individual patient.

How often will I have to come into the office?

Each patient's care is tailored to the individual needs of that person. Additional follow up visits will be determined by the plan of care established by the medical provider.

I have heard about "pill mills." Are you one of them?

No, Omega is committed to accurately diagnosing and treating pain symptoms. Opioid medication is only prescribed to patients that the doctors believe need them to function normally.

What type of anesthesia is used for minimally invasive procedures?

Omega is one of the few pain clinics along the Wasatch Front that allows the patient to choose whether or not to have sedation for procedures. The providers at Omega appreciate that the discomfort experienced during a procedure can vary from patient to patient. Therefore we offer the option for sedation.

What hours are you open?

Omega is open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

What kind of pain do you treat?

We treat all types of pain syndromes at Omega.