Spinal cord stimulator pre-implantation psychological clearance

What this evaluation is

Pain-management physicians and orthopedic surgeons performing spinal cord stimulator implantation generally require a psychiatric clearance evaluation before scheduling the procedure. The evaluation screens for psychiatric conditions that could compromise the candidate’s ability to derive benefit from SCS therapy, manage the implanted device, or provide informed consent — and identifies any active psychiatric conditions that should be addressed in advance of implantation.

What we evaluate

• Active mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD
• Cognitive capacity for informed consent and device management
• Substance use disorders that could affect candidacy
• Personality and motivational factors relevant to chronic pain treatment
• Realistic expectations of the candidate regarding SCS outcomes
• Any psychiatric conditions warranting treatment before implantation

The written report is provided to the referring pain-management physician with a clearance opinion, recommended preconditions if any, and any psychiatric findings warranting follow-up.

Important: workers’ compensation referrals only

We do not accept insurance. SCS clearance evaluations are accepted only for workers’ compensation cases — the claim must be open under a workers’ compensation carrier or self-insured employer, and billing goes to the WC payer. We do not bill Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, or the patient directly.

Pain-management practices considering a referral should confirm that the SCS candidacy work-up is being processed under the patient’s workers’ compensation claim before sending the referral.

Turnaround

SCS clearance evaluations are typically scheduled within two weeks of intake and reports issued within one week of the examination, since these evaluations gate a procedure with its own scheduling pressure.

Request a referral

Contact the practice with the patient’s workers’ compensation carrier and claim number, the referring physician’s name and contact, the proposed SCS device and implanting surgeon, and the desired procedure timeframe.