Helpful information to get started
Here are some important steps to take to make sure you get the relief you deserve.
Find a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vertebrogenic pain with the Intracept Procedure. If you haven’t had an MRI recently, your doctor may require that you get one prior to the appointment.
- Gather necessary medical records
- Come prepared to discuss your pain history, previous treatments, and impacts of pain on your daily life
- Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and will likely review MRI results to determine if you are a candidate for the Intracept Procedure
Get our Doctor Discussion Guide
Download and print this handy guide for use before, during, and after your doctor visit. Track your pain, prepare for your discussion, and be your best advocate.
- Insurance coverage for the Intracept Procedure can differ depending on your insurance policy and provider
- Ask about pre-authorization requirements as some insurance companies require some additional steps before they will approve the procedure—such as physical therapy, psychological evaluation, or cognitive behavioral therapy
Intracept has a patient access team that can help you navigate your prior authorization and help you appeal any denials—ask your doctor’s office to help you get signed up
- Once you have confirmed insurance coverage, contact your doctor’s office to schedule your procedure
- You will likely need medical clearance prior to your procedure
- This will depend on your medical history, but typically requires a minimum of a physical exam and medication review
- You may need to stop taking certain medications prior to your procedure
- Review and sign consent forms
- Follow all directions given by your doctor
- Follow any fasting guidelines—you will typically need to avoid eating for a certain timeframe before your procedure
- It is recommended to leave valuables at home, wear comfortable clothing, and remove jewelry
- Since you will be given anesthesia, arrange transportation in advance
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed
- Keep the incision area clean and dry and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, fever)
- Begin light walking as tolerated, gradually increasing as comfort allows
- Attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your provider
- Recovery is different for everyone–it depends on the individual and your doctor’s guidance
- Timing to return to work may depend on the nature of your job—some people may return to work within a few days after the Intracept Procedure, but always follow the directions provided by your doctor
- While some people start to feel relief quickly after their procedure, many people continue to improve up to three months after the procedure1
Take the next step
Find a doctor
See if you may benefit from the procedure, and connect with an Intracept-trained physician near you.
References
1. Fischgrund JS, Rhyne A, Macadaeg K, et al. Long-term outcomes following intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: 5-year treatment arm results from a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study. Eur Spine J. 2020;29:1925–1934.
Important Safety Information
Indications for use: The Intracept™ Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System is indicated for patients who have had chronic low back pain for at least six months, who have tried conservative care for at least six months, and whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation. Not every patient who meets these criteria is a candidate for the Intracept Procedure, however – in fact, there are specific characteristics indicating a patient should not be considered for the procedure.
Contraindications: Patients who are pregnant. Patients with weakened cardiac or pulmonary function, having an active implanted electronic medical device in the body (such as a pacemaker or defibrillator), being diagnosed with a systemic or local infection, or having an anatomy that could be damaged unintentionally while ablating the basivertebral nerve (based on your physicians’ clinical review). Patients who are skeletally immature – which generally means individuals under the age of 18 are not candidates.
Warnings: There are also certain risks and precautions regarding the procedure which you should be aware of before proceeding. With all medical procedures, there are risks and precautions associated with the procedure and the use of the device, talk with your doctor about what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients for the Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects visit www.relievant.com/intracept/.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.