Are occipital nerve blocks covered by insurance?
Will my insurance cover the procedure? The occipital nerve block is a well established medical procedure, and is reimbursed by most insurance companies.
How much does a nerve block cost?
How Much Does a Peripheral Nerve Block Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Peripheral Nerve Block ranges from $822 to $1,581. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.
How long does an occipital nerve block last?
The local anesthetic will wear off in 4 hours. At that time, your usual level of pain may return until the steroid starts working. This can take up to 2 weeks. Pain relief from an occipital nerve block usually will last for several months, but this may vary from patient to patient.
Does Medicare pay for occipital nerve blocks?
Medicare does not have a National Coverage Determination (NCD) for injection, anesthetic agent, greater occipital nerve (CPT code 64405).
What happens after occipital nerve block?
Are there any side effects caused by an occipital nerve block? The most common side effect is pain at the site of injection. Other side effects include infection, bleeding, dizziness, weakness, numbness and lightheadedness. These effects are temporary and often last only six to eight hours.
Does getting an occipital nerve block hurt?
A local anesthetic will be injected so that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The medicine for the occipital block will be inserted near your occipital nerve through a small needle near the base of your skull. Your headache may get worse briefly when the medicine is injected.
Can I drive after occipital nerve block?
After an occipital nerve block, a patient can usually drive home and return to normal daily activities the following day. The effects of the local anesthetic may wear off in a few hours, but the effects of the steroid begin to increase over the next several days.
What type of doctor does occipital nerve block?
Key Takeaways. The source of your pain may determine the type of doctor you see for a nerve block. Pain management doctors are specially trained to treat patients who have pain. They can perform nerve blocks and coordinate your care.