Current Medications
Bring a list of current medications (including doses) and any allergies.
Prepare for Your Appointment
Many chronic pain conditions are hard to diagnose. At Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists (M.I.S.S.), our diagnostic assessment digs deeper to find the root cause of your pain to deliver targeted, lasting care.
Before you come — checklist
Please complete your New Patient Questionnaire before your appointment. If you have any questions, issues, or would like help completing the questionnaire, you can call 219-250-1700 for assistance.
ID & Insurance Card
Bring photo ID and your insurance card(s).
X-Rays or MRI Images
Bring any recent imaging (CD/DVD) or reports — MRI, CT, X rays — if not already sent.
Treatment History
Bring a list of prior treatments and surgeries and contact info for your referring physician.
Workers’ Comp Claim
If your visit is work-related, bring Workers’ Comp claim information and employer/case manager contact details.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access for a spine, neck, or back exam.
Intake forms & patient portal
- Complete your New Patient Questionnaire before your appointment. If you have any questions, issues, or would like help completing the questionnaire, you can call 219-250-1700 for assistance.
- Use our Patient Portal (or the Healow app) to view records, message the office, and access the Pain Diary. Contact our office if you need help accessing the portal.
Day of appointment
- Bring a family member or friend if you want support or help remembering recommendations.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early to check in.
- Your evaluation includes a detailed questionnaire, review of prior imaging and records, a consultation with one of our pain specialists, a comprehensive physical exam, and a personal discussion of findings and recommendations.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call us no later than 24 hours before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid. For questions about specific treatments or procedures, please call your insurance carrier to check whether there are any out-of-pocket expenses or a referral is required.
Do I need imaging before my visit?
If you have recent imaging (within the last year), bring the reports and images (CD/DVD). If not, we will determine what imaging is needed after your evaluation.
Should I stop taking pain medications before the visit?
Continue your prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise. Bring a complete list of meds. If you use short-acting opioids or sedatives, let us know—some diagnostic procedures may require adjustments.
Will I get treatment on the first visit?
The first visit is focused on diagnosis and a personalized plan. Some individuals may receive simple, in office treatments or a targeted injection if appropriate and agreed upon.
What if my visit is related to workers’ compensation?
Bring all claim details. Our Workers’ Comp Coordination team will manage documentation and communication with employers and case managers.
Do I need a referral?
In most cases, no referral is necessary. However, some insurance plans require a prior authorization or referral. Call our office with your insurance information and we can check this for you.
Can I just get medication?
Our focus is accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan. Medications can be part of that plan, but we do not typically provide long-term opioid or medication only treatment without a full evaluation and consideration of safer, multimodal options. We will review medication needs, adjust prescriptions when appropriate, and prioritize therapies that reduce reliance on high dose medications.
Questions?
If you need to reschedule, have questions about forms, or need assistance with your imaging or insurance, call our front desk at 219-836-7246.
