FAQs

Q: What should I bring to my first appointment?

Insurance cards, photo ID, list of current medications, and any recent imaging (MRI, X-rays) on disc. If you have records from other providers about this condition, bring those too.

Q: How long is the first appointment?

30 minutes with Dr. Hassan personally. Not 10 minutes, not with a PA, actual 30 minutes with your doctor.

Q: What happens during the first visit?

We start with your story. What happened? What have you tried? What makes it better or worse? What is this pain keeping you from doing?

Then we watch you move. We don't just do reflex tests. We need to see how your body compensates, where movement breaks down, and what causes your symptoms.

We review any imaging you have. If you don't have imaging and we need it, we'll order it. We need a complete picture to treat the cause, not just the symptom.

Q: What happens after the evaluation?

We discuss your options - usually 2-3 possible paths forward:

• Most conservative (PT, activity modification, time)

• Middle ground (injections, targeted procedures)

• More aggressive (surgical consultation if absolutely necessary)

We tell you what we'd recommend for a family member in your situation. Then you decide. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just honest medical opinion.

Q: Will I get treatment the same day?

Sometimes, if it's appropriate and you want to proceed. Often we need imaging first, or you need time to consider options. We don't pressure you to commit immediately.

Q: Do I need a referral?

Most patients don't need a referral to see us. If you're unsure, call our office and we'll help you figure it out.

Q: Can I bring someone with me?

Absolutely. Many patients bring a family member, especially for first visits.

Q: What if I'm nervous about injections?

Tell us. We can discuss sedation options for procedures, or start with less invasive approaches.

Q: Do I need surgery for my back pain?

Most people don't. The vast majority of back pain improves with conservative treatment: physical therapy, targeted injections, activity modification. We only recommend surgery when conservative approaches have genuinely failed and surgery has a high likelihood of success.

Q: What's the difference between interventional pain management and surgery?

Interventional pain management uses minimally invasive procedures (injections, nerve blocks, ablations) to target pain without major surgery. Recovery is days to weeks instead of months. Risks are much lower. But it doesn't fix structural problems like severe instability or complete tears.

Q: How do I know if regenerative medicine is right for me?

Regenerative medicine (PRP, stem cells) works best for mild to moderate tendon injuries and early-stage arthritis. It's not magic, results vary and it takes time to work. Dr. Hassan will tell you honestly if you're a good candidate or if you'd be wasting money.

Q: How long do injections last?

Varies by type and patient. Steroid injections might provide 3-6 months of relief. Radiofrequency ablation can last 6-12 months or longer. Some patients get long-term improvement, others need repeat treatment. We'll explain realistic expectations.

Q: Are injections painful?

There's momentary discomfort during the injection, but we use local anesthetic and the procedure itself is quick. Most patients tolerate it well. If you're particularly nervous, we can discuss sedation options.

Q: Will I get a surprise bill?

No. We verify your insurance benefits before you come in and tell you your estimated costs upfront. If anything changes, we'll let you know before any procedure. We don't believe in surprise bills.

Q: How much will my visit actually cost?

It depends on your specific out-of-network benefits. Call us before your appointment and we'll tell you exactly what to expect based on your plan.

Q: Why are you out-of-network?

Being out-of-network allows us to practice medicine with more time per patient and a focus on what's actually best for you. This is the way we believe medicine should be done. Call our office and we're happy to discuss how this works with your specific insurance.

Q: Can't I just go in-network and save money?

Every patient's situation is different. Call us with your insurance information and we'll help you understand what your actual costs would be. Many patients find out-of-network coverage works better than they expected.

Q: Do you accept Medicare? 

Yes. Dr. Hassan accepts Medicare patients.

Q: Do you offer payment plans? 

We can discuss payment arrangements for larger procedures. Call our office to discuss your specific situation.

Q: What if my insurance denies the claim? 

We'll work with you and your insurance company to appeal denials. Most denials are processing errors that can be resolved.

Q: What if my insurance doesn't have out-of-network benefits?

We can discuss self-pay options. Call our office and we'll walk you through the costs for your specific situation.

Q: Which location should I go to?

Old Bridge main office has full diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Other locations are convenient for consultations and follow-ups. Call us and we'll help you choose based on your needs.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (732) 759-8110 or use the online scheduling link. We recommend calling first to verify insurance benefits.

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Call as soon as possible. We require 24-hour notice for cancellations to avoid a fee.