Branch block shots

[Manley2]

Can anybody tell me why when you have medial branch block shots do they sometimes do this twice? This is really only a test to see if the pain is coming from the facet joints. If one shot helps with the pain for a few hours then that is what they are there to tell you so why do it again?

[FunPops]

good question, my surgery was approved last week however the new doc wants to do these same shots to me first......cant wait.

[Manley2]

Seems like if the work the first time the second time is just so they cost more. I have RF on my left side about every 9 months to a year. First time they did the 2 sets. Once they didn't do any and now because WC is paying they want the 2 sets. Doesn't make since to me because you would think they would want to save the money. If around once a year they are going to have to do this you would think doing the 2 sets of blocks would cost enough extra they would just not do it. My PM doc said he felt the RF was what I needed again and stated as long as WC would approve skipping these shot thats what we would do but they wanted the 2 sets. Working on get this settled with WC you would think this could just add to what medicare is going to want as a set-a-side and in the end cost WC more money. More money for the hospital in the end because I'm thinking they charge around $800-$1000 for one set. If you just figure $800 a set times 2 and then 2 sets for the right side thats an extra $3200 a year for the medical bills. WC has said already they are going to pay open medical thats allot of extra money for nothing. Maybe I'm not seeing something right, but then again my employer just had a big 4th quarter so maybe they just can't spend it fast enough