We look forward to meeting you at your upcoming consultation at Sweetwater Pain & Spine. Your first visit is all about understanding your pain, reviewing your history, and building a clear plan to help you feel better. Following the steps below ensures we can make the most of your appointment with us.
Complete Your Paperwork
You can save significant time by completing your new patient paperwork before your appointment. Download, fill out, save, and print the packet using the button below — or arrive early and complete it at the front desk.
📄 Download New Patient Paperwork⚠️ Important: the PDF does not autosave — be sure to save and print before closing.
If you have not completed the paperwork in advance, please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to fill it out at the front desk.
If your paperwork is already completed and printed, arriving 15 minutes early is sufficient to check in and get settled before your appointment begins.
Bring These Documents
Having the right documents at your first visit allows your physician to begin a thorough evaluation without delay. Please gather the following before your appointment:
Driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification
All active insurance cards, including primary and secondary coverage
Prior imaging, surgical notes, specialist letters, and test results relevant to your pain
Bring a complete list of all medications you take, including dosages — prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements. Alternatively, bring the bottles themselves.
If you have prior imaging studies, bring the discs or printed reports if possible. Your physician will review these during your visit. If you cannot obtain them in advance, let our office know and we can assist with records requests.
Any notes or summaries from previous pain specialists, surgeons, neurologists, or physical therapists are extremely helpful — even if treatments were not successful. Knowing what has already been tried guides your new evaluation.
Be prepared to share any known drug, latex, or contrast dye allergies, including the nature of the reaction. This information is critical before any procedures are performed.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your initial consultation typically lasts approximately 30 minutes and is conducted by one of our fellowship-trained, board-certified pain medicine physicians. Here is how your visit will unfold:
Our front desk team will verify your insurance, collect your documents, and ensure your paperwork is complete. Your physician will review your medical history, prior records, and imaging before entering the room.
Your physician will ask detailed questions about your pain — where it is, when it started, what makes it better or worse, how it affects your daily life, sleep, and function, and what treatments you have already tried. There are no wrong answers; the more detail you can provide, the better.
A targeted physical and neurological exam will be performed, evaluating range of motion, strength, sensation, reflexes, and specific pain provocation maneuvers relevant to your condition.
Your physician will review any MRI, X-ray, or CT images you bring and explain what the findings mean in the context of your symptoms.
At the conclusion of your visit, your physician will share their assessment, discuss the likely cause of your pain, and outline a recommended treatment plan. This may include additional diagnostic testing, medications, physical therapy, interventional procedures, or a combination of approaches. You will have time to ask questions before you leave.
Day-of Quick Reference
✅ Please DO
- Arrive 30 min early if paperwork is not done; 15 min early if it is
- Bring photo ID and insurance card(s)
- Bring a complete medication list or your pill bottles
- Bring prior imaging discs or reports
- Bring prior specialist or surgical notes
- Be ready to describe your pain in detail
- Write down questions you want to ask in advance
- Wear comfortable clothing — a physical exam will be performed
❌ Please DO NOT
- Arrive without your insurance card — this may delay your visit
- Forget to mention all medications, including supplements
- Omit prior treatments that did not work — this information matters
- Expect to receive a procedure at your consultation — this is an evaluation visit
- Forget to disclose known drug allergies
- Bring minors without another adult to supervise them during your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions before your visit? Our team is happy to help you prepare and feel confident walking through our doors for the first time.