ODG Criteria For RFA

Pain is rated at 3-4/10. The patient saw Dr. Abbassi on 05/07/15 who recommended diagnostic medial branch blocks around L4-L5 and L5-S1 on the right side, 2 levels. The patient would like the medial branch blocks to be done. Dr. Abbassi further writes, “I believe he is a candidate for diagnostic medial branch blocks, 2 levels, at the time starting from L4-L5 and L5-S1 on the right, later L2- L3 and L3-L4 if he still has pain, and if these injections help him for a short while but significantly and then the pain returns then radiofrequency ablation is an option.” Diagnoses are chronic fracture of T8, upper thoracic pain, lumbar pain with radiation to left L5 region with left L5 radicular pain with moderate listhesis at L4-5 and mild to moderate bilateral L5-S1 denervation. Treatment plan includes diagnostic medial branch blocks, 2 levels, right sided, at L4-L5 and L5-S1, to await approval for physical therapy, modified duty, and follow-up in 4 weeks.

Based on the latest medical report dated 04/08/16, the patient presents for follow-up of his lower back pain. He is status post radiofrequency facet on the left that initially helped with left sided lower back to 60%. He stated that PT was stopped by insurance for the past 2 weeks. Since he started PT, he has been having increased spasm across his lower back with pain into the left lower extremity. IW feels that PT

Per progress report dated 03/04/16, the patient complains of pain of pain in the neck and lower back. Current medication is for Norco and Gabapentin.

Based on the progress report dated 09/12/16, the patient reports more frequent pain with activity since the last

Radiculopathy must be documented by physical examination and corroborated by imaging studies and/or electrodiagnostic testing. In addition, no more than two nerve root levels should be injected using transforaminal blocks, and no more than one interlaminar level should be injected at one session. The patient is s/p C5-C7 anterior

On examination, he has moderate pain to palpation to the lumbar spine and paravertebral muscles over the bilateral facet joints at L4-L5-S1. He has a positive straight leg raise test to the right.

Per the medical report dated 08/12/16 by Dr. Gunderson, the patient had neck pain, as well as headaches, dizziness and blurred vision. The neck pain radiated into both shoulders, but more so on the right, and occasionally she had tingling in her upper extremities. She described the neck pain as severe and intermittent, and not related to any specific activity, and relieved with massage. The pain in her lower back was in the beltline and radiated into both lower extremities, more so on the left. She described the pain as moderately severe and constant, and not related to any activity, and only relieved with nerve medicines. On examination, the patient had tenderness in the lower cervical region about C5 to C7. Range of motion of her neck was 75% of normal. Motor, sensory, and reflex examinations in the upper extremities were normal. On examination of the lumbar spine, the patient could dress and undress without difficulty. She had a bent forward posture and gait. She had reduced lumbar motion and with maximum forward flexion, her fingertips were 12 inches from the floor. Lateral flexion was 50% of normal, and she had no active extension in the lumbar spine. Motor, sensory, and reflex examinations in the lower extremities were normal. There was paravertebral tenderness about L4-5 bilaterally, as well as in both sacroiliac and sciatic notch regions. Straight leg caused hip and thigh pain at 50 degrees bilaterally. Of note, X-rays of the cervical spine demonstrated disc degeneration at C5-6. X-rays of the lumbar spine were normal. Patient sustained

Per the IME report dated 04/07/14 by Dr.Sharma, MMI has been reached. There is no need for further neurologic treatment, diagnostic testing, follow-up or PT.

Based on the progress report dated 03/01/16 by Dr. Ahmed, the patient continues to complain of constant lower back pain radiating to her left leg which she describes as sharp with pins, and needles and intermittent numbness and weakness.

As per medical report dated 3/10/2016, patient complains of low back pain rated at 7/10 with left lower

Based on the progress report dated 02/09/16, the patient presents for follow-up. He describes ongoing difficulty with pain in both shoulders, wrists, low back and the bilateral lower extremities from the knees to the calves. His symptoms include pain, spasms, numbness and tingling. He rates his pain level as a 9/10 in intensity, but it is reduced to a 7/10 with use of his medications. He reports that morphine is helping, but he is still taking 5-6 Norco a day. He is also taking a stool softener three times a day as well as Linzess. However, he continues to have significant constipation.

As per medical report dated 2/18/16, patient complains of constant low back pain in a L4-5 distribution. Patient has undergone physical therapy as well as medication management without amelioration of the pain and continues to be symptomatic. He had previous epidural steroid injection. He also had acupuncture

Based on the medical report dated 12/28/15, the patient continues to report lower back pain that radiated to his left leg to his anterior/lateral thigh and anterior lower leg (shin) to his ankle and paresthesias. He has completed a conservative course of PT in which he underwent aquatic therapy. He was seen in October of

Short term goal is to increase range of motion by 5 degrees. Long term goal is to bring the patient as close as possible to pre-accident status, perform his activities of daily living safely and return to work. He will continue PT 3 days per week with goals of reducing pain, improving range of motion and improving overall function.

Patient reports back pain that radiats down to her legs, denies injury to the site. current pain 4/10. Patient also reports bilateral knee joint pain. Patient denies chest pain, SOB, N/V/ D, or fever.