Patient Resources

We believe informed patients make confident decisions about their care. This section is designed to give you clear, practical information to help you prepare for appointments, understand treatment options, and navigate the details of your healthcare experience with us.

You’ll find educational materials, forms, post-procedure guidance, and answers to common questions, all created to make your experience smoother and reduce uncertainty along the way.

If you’re exploring symptoms or looking to better understand your diagnosis, we also encourage you to visit our Conditions Treated page for a deeper look at the spine, joint, and nerve conditions we evaluate and manage.

Getting Started
Understanding Your Care
Before and After Care
Insurance
Education

Getting Started as a New Patient

We want your first visit to feel comfortable and efficient. Here's what to expect and how to prepare:

What to Bring to Your First Appointment:

  • A valid photo ID and insurance card

  • List of current medications and dosages

  • Any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) — on disc or digital if possible

  • Prior medical records related to your condition

  • Name and contact information for your referring provider (if applicable)

New Patient Forms: To save time on the day of your visit, you're welcome to complete your intake paperwork in advance through our Patient Portal. If you prefer to fill out forms in the office, please arrive 15–20 minutes early.

Understanding Your Care

What is Interventional Pain Management? Interventional pain management focuses on diagnosing and treating pain using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures — rather than relying solely on medications or surgery. Our goal is to identify the source of your pain and treat it directly, helping you regain function and quality of life.

Will I need surgery? Most of our patients do not require surgery. We specialize in non-surgical treatments including injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, regenerative therapies, and spinal cord stimulation. When surgery is the best path forward, we'll provide a referral and coordinate your care.

How many visits will I need? Every patient's journey is different. Some conditions respond quickly; others require a series of treatments or ongoing management. Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Bai will work with you to set realistic expectations and build a plan tailored to your goals.

Before & After Your Procedure

Before Your Procedure:

  • You may be asked to stop certain medications (like blood thinners) several days beforehand — our team will provide specific instructions

  • Arrange for a driver if sedation or IV medication is involved

  • Avoid eating or drinking for a specified window of time if anesthesia is used

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

After Your Procedure:

  • Plan to rest for the remainder of the day

  • Avoid strenuous activity, heat, or soaking in water for 24–48 hours (unless instructed otherwise)

  • Some soreness at the injection site is normal for 1–3 days

  • Most patients begin to notice improvement within a few days to two weeks, depending on the procedure

  • Contact our office right away if you experience fever, increasing pain, numbness, or signs of infection

Insurance & Billing

We participate with most major insurance plans. Our front office team is happy to help verify your benefits and answer billing questions before your appointment.

  • Please bring your insurance card to every visit

  • Copays and balances are due at time of service

  • We offer online bill pay for your convenience

For questions about your account, call us at 919-655-4757 or email our billing team

Educational Resources

We've compiled a list of trusted, patient-friendly sources to help you learn more about your condition and treatment options:

Spine & Back Pain

Joint Pain & Arthritis

Contact Us

Have a question that isn't answered here? We're happy to help.

1505 SW Cary Parkway, Suite 201, Cary, NC 27511

📞 Office: 919-655-4757

📠 Fax: 919-882-1558

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm