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Frequently asked

questions


Break the pattern of chronic pain


    

Learning about SCS?

Already a Medtronic patient?

FAQ for new patients

 

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Will my payers cover spinal cord stimulation therapy?

Many payers cover the cost of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). However, as with many pain treatments, your doctor will need approval from your payers before you can receive treatment. Talk with your doctor or payers to find out what your coverage includes. Most workers’ compensation carriers cover neurostimulators if approved before treatment.

Will the implanted device give me the same pain relief as the trial?

Will the device completely eliminate my chronic pain?

Can I control the stimulation?

Can I travel or move to another part of the country?

Can I receive an MRI* scan?

Will I need another surgery to replace the SCS neurostimulator?

Why do I need a psychological evaluation before an SCS procedure?

FAQ for implanted patients

 

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Can I receive an MRI* scan?

Approximately 82% of patients implanted with an SCS will need an MRI within five years to diagnose an unrelated condition. Medtronic SureScan™ MRI Technology allows patients to have access to MRI scans anywhere on the body.*

What do I need to know about screening devices found at airports?

How can I get in touch with the Medtronic representative?

How can I update my contact information?

How often should I charge my implant and how long should it take?

What should I do if the controller screen is blank?

What happens if I don’t charge my implant battery?

Where can I go to find the meaning of the messages/codes on my screen?


Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

*

MR-Conditional IconUnder specific conditions. Talk to your doctor and refer to product labeling for full list of conditions.

References

1

Kumar K, Taylor RS, Jacques L, et al. The effects of spinal cord stimulation in neuropathic pain are sustained: a 24-month follow-up of the prospective randomized controlled multicenter trial of the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation. Neurosurgery. 2008;63(4):762-770; discussion 770.

2

Desai MJ, Hargens LM, Breitenfeldt MD, et al. The rate of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spinal cord stimulation. Spine. 2015;40(9):E531-537