FAQs

Paindoc FAQ

• How long will the first consultation take?
  • 20 min to 1 hour depending on the complexity of the case and whether injections are required
• What should I bring for my first consultation?
  • Bring your current medications
  • X-ray/MRI/CT-scan/Ultrasound films and reports if available
  • Referral letter if available
• What insurance panels are you on?
  • AIA, NTUC, Prudential, AXA, Great Eastern, Bupa, Aviva
• Should I drive and where do I park?
  • If you are planning to have an injection in our clinic, please let us know beforehand; it will be best not to drive 
  • You can park at the hospital itself.
• What types of injections are available?
  • We usually give injections of local anaesthetic, steroid, botox or hyaluronic acid
  • These are usually given under ultrasound guidance
  • We may give painkillers directly into your vein or muscle
• Are steroids harmful?
  • Steroids are not harmful if given for a short duration and under supervision.
• Can I claim for the injections from insurance?
  • Some clinic injections can be claimed. For other more complex ones, and for any injection that requires sedation, it will be best to get pre-authorisation from the insurer prior to proceeding.
• Can I claim for an MRI?
  • MRI can usually be claimed using accident plan
  • You can also use medisave to cover a portion of the MRI scan, but only if you are not claiming under an insurance plan
  • MRI can be fully claimed under a private shield plan if you subsequently go for an injection at a hospital or day surgery centre
• Can I be sedated during the injection?
  • If it is an injection in the clinic, there will not be any strong sedative given.
  • Stronger sedation can be provided as appropriate but that will have to be done in a hospital.
• Can I go home on the same day after a pain procedure?
  • Yes you can usually go home on the same day.
• Can I collect medications from your clinic with my prescription from another doctor?
  • No, we do not accept prescriptions from other doctors. If you are our regular patient, you can arrange to obtain some medications from us instead.
• Can I get opioids like oxynorm or morphine from your clinic?
  • We do not recognise any opioid prescriptions from any other practitioner in Singapore or overseas.
  • Opioids are used:
    • for a short period post procedure
    • when all other options with us have been exhausted
    • if you have done pain procedures or surgery with another specialist, please explore opioid therapy with them.
    • for terminal cancer pain management
• Can I have the medications delivered to me?
  • Currently, we do not deliver medications.
  • For non-opioid medications, you can appoint someone to pick it up on your behalf if required. Please provide identification.
• Can I return my medications?
  • Unfortunately we are unable to provide a refund for any unused medication. If you aren’t sure, please take 1 week of medications first.
• Can I be referred for physiotherapy?
  • Yes we can refer you.
• Am I covered for free physiotherapy?
  • You will be covered for physiotherapy for up to a year (depending on your insurance plan), if you undergo a pain injection in a hospital
• How often should I go for physiotherapy?
  • Initially about 1-2 times a week 
  • Subsequently at least once every 2 weeks
• Can I use Medisave or Merdeka card to pay for consultation and medications?
  • Unfortunately we do not accept these forms of payment at our clinic.
  • You are covered for consultation and medications and scans as pre and post-hospitalisation coverage if you undergo a pain injection. The duration of coverage differs from insurer to insurer.